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Pershing junior killed in car crash remembered as a leader who was 'liked by almost everyone'

Posted at 9:34 PM, Oct 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-13 22:33:31-04

DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Detroit Public Schools Community District is reeling after the loss of a student from Pershing High School.

Ga’heime Griffin was killed while driving home after his shift from McDonald’s Tuesday morning. People who knew him, like his high school football coach, say he was a good person, and someone who made a difference everywhere he went.

“(A) great young man. Liked by almost everyone he came in contact with. Very favorable around the school,” said Pershing football coach Ralph Sewell.

DPSCD Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti wrote on Twitter to let the community know Ga’Heime Griffin had died in a car accident around 2 a.m. Tuesday while on his way home from work at McDonald’s. Dr. Vitti said Griffin "was everything we want our young men to be."

Griffin’s football coach says he was a young man who worked hard and wanted to succeed.

“He’s a positive person," Sewell said. "He’s always finding a way, usually to get things done to keep things positive. (He) keeps things smooth around our community."

Dr Vitti said that also inside the car were two other students, both now in critical but stable condition. Dr. Vitti says Ga’heime would attend his student leadership council meetings, and that the junior he was a leader in JROTC and an athlete.

“It’s very tragic," Sewell said. "Words can’t really describe the emotion. Words can’t really describe the impact right now. We just have to wait and see. Only time will tell."

Griffin has four siblings who also attend Pershing. This heartbreaking loss hits the students, school district and those who knew him hard.

“Ga’heime would want us to continue to move forward,continue to do our best and let his legacy and let his memory go ahead,” Sewell said.

Coach Sewell says they plan on starting a GoFundMe. 7 Action News will keep you updated on when that information is released.