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On April 20, 2024, a children’s birthday party at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, Michigan, turned into a tragedy when Marshella Chidester drove her SUV directly into the building. The high-speed crash resulted in the deaths of two young siblings and injuries to numerous attendees, many of whom were children and family members gathered for the celebration.
The SUV entered the Swan Boat Club at approximately 44 mph, crashing through the exterior wall and traveling around 25 feet into the structure before coming to a stop. The force of the impact caused significant structural damage and left multiple victims trapped or seriously injured within the building.
Authorities conducted a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. Toxicology reports confirmed that Chidester had a blood alcohol content of 0.18%, more than twice the legal limit in Michigan. Surveillance footage from her residence showed her consuming alcohol earlier in the day, and additional evidence placed her at a local bar prior to the incident.