‘There are no words’: 18-year-old dies in crash just days after graduating high school

PINCONNING, Mich. (WNEM/Gray News) - A recent high school graduate was bringing his sister home from school Thursday afternoon when another vehicle crossed into their lane and struck them head-on.

Aiden Alexander, 18, lost his life in the crash, and his 16-year-old sister, Halen, suffered serious injuries.

“Ah, it’s tough,” Pinconning Area Schools Superintendent Andy Kowalczyk said.

He was reflecting on the tragic death of Alexander, as it was a somber day on Friday at Pinconning High School. Classmates and school staff began to mourn the loss of one of their students who had just graduated earlier this month.

Alexander and his sister were headed home on Mable Street when they were struck by a pickup truck that crossed over the center line.

“They were very respectful students; students that you’d like to have in your class,” Kowalczyk said.

According to police, the 68-year-old driver of the pickup truck was critically injured in the crash. They’re still trying to figure out what caused him to cross the center line.

Meanwhile, classrooms have been filled with heavy hearts at Pinconning High. Kowalczyk wants students and staff to know it’s OK to ask for help.

“Talking to people, that others are going through it, too, and not to be ashamed to go talk to a counselor because they can really help,” he said. “They know how to students and how to get through some of these grieving processes.”

Kowalczyk said he can’t imagine what the family is going through right now.

“We’re thinking of them. You know, the whole school is pulling for them,” he said.

The family dog, Moose, was also in the car. Sadly, he did not survive the crash.

Monica Rabie, a cousin of Alexander, said everyone is still in disbelief.

“Everyone is very numb, I would say. Totally shocked. Life can change in a split second, and it has,” she said.

Rabie said Alexander’s sister was wearing her seat belt, but it broke her right collarbone and did stomach damage. She remains at the hospital.

As of Friday afternoon, the family said she still didn’t know her brother and dog were gone.

“She’s very out of it, I would say. She isn’t aware of who ed. They’ve told her a couple of times, but she’s not there yet to be able to understand,” Rabie said.

Family said Alexander just graduated earlier this month and was planning a career in the skilled trades.

“Aiden was just about to start life, a big life. He was ready for job interviews, he had just gotten his license. He was very involved in church, had a long-term girlfriend,” Rabie said. “He always wanted everybody else to be laughing.”

The family said they trying to get through the ordeal one moment at a time.

“There are no words. We can say sorry and we love you, but right now, it’s just kind of like you’re numb. It’s hard to cry because you think it’s just not real,” Rabie said.

A GoFundMe has since been set up to help the family with funeral costs and medical bills.

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