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Tragic crash in Bedford Township kills 2 teens, community pitching in to help family

Posted at 8:08 PM, Jul 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-05 20:15:04-04

Two teens, a brother and sister, were hit and killed by a pickup truck that drove off Sterns Road during the noon hour on the Fourth of July.

 

One day later, the community of Bedford Township is making donations to help the family. 

 

Donations are being collected by an Iraq War Veteran who set up the Veterans’ Center in Bedford, 760 W. Temperance Road.

 

"It was on our hearts to do this for them and hopefully help them out," said Tim Fitzgerald.  "They’re part of the community. When anything tragic happens, this township bands together unlike anything I’ve seen. So tragic. Somebody needed to do something.” 

 

They’ll be accepting donations through Tuesday.

 

Thirteen-year-old Justin Haun and his sister, 16-year-old Alyssa, were not on the road but on a lawn when they were hit and later died at a hospital in Toledo.  The Monroe County Sheriff’s office says 49-year-old Raymond E. Reyome was the driver. 

 

There has been no word on any charges. 

 

Two people inside of the pickup took off after the crash.  There’s also no word on their status in the case.

 

The Haun family is asking for privacy.  Friends of the teens say they are shocked. 

 

“I just started to cry," said Anna Lee Appleman, a friend. "It is really sad when you hear about these but when it happens to someone you know, it’s really hard.” 

 

Another friend from school, Connor Ullery, says of Justin: “He’s a great kid, smart, somebody you could look up to.”

 

Funeral plans are pending. 

 

The Bedford Township Schools Superintendent also issued this statement:

 

NOTE FROM SUPERINTENDENT ABOUT TRAGIC LOSS

Dear Parents and Community Members,

It is with great sadness that I share the news of a tragic event that has taken the lives of two young students. On Wednesday, July 4, 2018, we received word that incoming Bedford High School 9th grader, Justin Haun, and his sister, Alyssa, were fatally injured when a vehicle hit the two young teenagers as they were walking along Sterns Road. Justin Haun attended Bedford Junior High School and was set to attend Bedford High School in the Fall. Alyssa Haun has not attended Bedford Public Schools and was visiting from her home near Cleveland, Ohio.

As an eighth grader, Justin was an incredible math student having earned the Junior High School's Math Student of the Year Award. He also played in 8th grade orchestra and was a member of the cross country team. This tragic news will no doubt leave everyone that has had contact with Justin and Alyssa grief stricken and at a loss for words. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Justin and Alyssa.

Bedford Public Schools will be setting up professional counseling support for anyone who is in need. If you or any member of your family is in need of immediate professional support in coping with this tragedy, I ask that you contact Gabby's Ladder at (734) 242-8773. Gabby's Ladder is a non-profit organization located in Monroe, Michigan that specializes in providing support for grieving children, adults and families at no cost. In addition, BPS will be adding information and resources on our website to assist students and families. Please reach out to the district administration office with any further assistance.

Sincerely,
Dr. Carl Shultz
Superintendent, Bedford Public Schools