2 weeks Ago By Demond Fernandez
DETROIT – Family members and supporters gathered at one of Detroit ’s most dangerous intersections on Tuesday, seeking answers in the fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of Juan White Smiley and left her boyfriend in critical condition. The incident occurred early Saturday (April 19) morning at the intersection of Gratiot Avenue and East Grand Boulevard, where Smiley and Djornan James were riding Lime scooters through a crosswalk when an unidentified driver struck them and fled the scene. “She was the glue.
She was the glue to a lot of people,” said Makeeba Harris, Smiley’s sister, during the emotional gathering that drew dozens of supporters to the crash site. The tragedy adds to the mounting toll along Gratiot Avenue, which ranks among Detroit’s deadliest roads. Recent city data shows that between 2019 and 2023, the corridor experienced 2,542 crashes, 38 fatalities, and 93 pedestrian strikes, highlighting the persistent danger along this major thoroughfare.
“It’s very, very dangerous intersection. People speed through here morning and night,” said Everett Belle, Smiley’s father, expressing frustration over the road’s hazardous conditions. Beverly Hunter, another sister of the victim, says the couple had the right of way when crossing.
“It was to my understanding that it was a red light. So, they had the right of way to cross Gratiot. But you was in such of a hurry, you couldn’t stop and just wait for the light to change,” Hunter cried.
Smiley’s children have joined the appeal for public assistance in identifying the hit-and-run driver. “If anybody knows something, sees something, or gets any information—I don’t care if it was just a letter, a number on a license plate, a color, a detail, or anything—I just want you all to reach out,” Smiley’s son pleaded. The Detroit Police Department, which joined the family at the intersection, urges anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
All tips remain anonymous. The fatal crash comes as Detroit officials recently secured $12.5 million in federal and state funding to improve safety along the Gratiot corridor.
The planned improvements aim to address the dangerous conditions that have plagued this major arterial road. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with expenses related to the tragedy. Those wishing to contribute can click here .
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