Oak Park, Michigan — A 59-year-old teacher who drove for Uber to earn extra money was killed late Wednesday night after police say a teenage driver with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit ran a red light and crashed into his vehicle.
Tracy Darwin Sutton, 19, is accused of operating while intoxicated causing death and operating while intoxicated causing serious injury in connection with the crash that killed Dwayne Antonio Harvey, a math teacher at Oak Park High School.
The collision happened around 11 p.m. Sept. 17 at Eight Mile Road and Coolidge Highway, where police found a Dodge Charger and a Buick Envision with extensive damage.
Crash Left Teacher Trapped in His Vehicle
According to Oak Park police, Sutton was driving the Dodge Charger eastbound on Eight Mile Road when he allegedly ran a red light at the intersection.
The Charger then struck Harvey’s Buick Envision, which was traveling north on Coolidge Highway.
Investigators obtained video from a nearby business that allegedly captured the moments leading up to the collision.
The crash was severe enough that emergency responders had to extract Harvey from the Envision before rushing him to a hospital. Despite those efforts, Harvey died from his injuries.
A 23-year-old passenger riding in the back seat of the Charger was ejected from the vehicle during the collision and was found lying in the middle of the street. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
Sutton suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Police Say Driver’s Blood Alcohol Level Was 0.161
Investigators say alcohol was a major factor in the crash.
Sutton’s blood alcohol concentration was allegedly 0.161, according to a report from local Fox affiliate WJBK. That level is more than twice Michigan’s legal limit for drivers age 21 and older.
Sutton now faces charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and operating while intoxicated causing serious injury. He was booked into the Oakland County Jail following the crash.
Harvey Was a Teacher and Uber Driver
Harvey spent his days teaching mathematics at Oak Park High School, but he also worked as an Uber driver at night to bring in additional income.
His death has left students and colleagues mourning a teacher who was remembered for his warmth and connection with the school community. In a Facebook statement, Oak Park High School said:
“At Oak Park High School, he was known for his warm smile, positive spirit, and genuine connection with students,” the school said in a Facebook post. “He encouraged others, showed up for his students and colleagues, and brought a special energy to our school community each day.”
Harvey was more than a classroom teacher. He also served as the senior class sponsor, giving him another important connection with students as they prepared to graduate.
School Plans Purple Tribute for Harvey
Harvey had several personal interests that became part of the school’s plans to remember him.
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He was a big fan of Prince and the color purple, and students and staff planned to wear purple and play some of his favorite music on Friday as a tribute.
The school described Harvey as someone whose presence extended well beyond his classroom responsibilities.
“Mr. Harvey will be remembered for his kindness, his dedication to students, and the positive presence he brought to Oak Park High School each day. He will always be a part of the Oak Park Schools family and will be deeply missed,” the school said.
The tribute will give students and staff an opportunity to honor the teacher while remembering the impact he had on the school community.
Teen Driver Remains in Jail
Sutton was booked into the Oakland County Jail, where his bond has been set at $2 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 29.
The criminal allegations remain accusations, and the charges will proceed through the court system. If convicted, Sutton could face significant consequences connected to the fatal crash.
What are your thoughts on this tragic crash and the loss of a teacher who was working a second job to support himself? Share your reaction in the comments below.
