BROTHER, 12, DIES AT THE SCENE — SISTER, 13, DIES FIVE DAYS LATER IN HEARTBREAKING BICYCLE CRASH

A Michigan family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of two young siblings who died just five days apart after being struck by an SUV while riding their bicycles.

Calvin Shepard, 12, and his sister Karalee Shepard, 13, were riding together along Grand River Avenue in Leroy Township, Michigan, on September 5 when they were struck by a Ford Explorer.

The siblings were riding along the shoulder of the road near North Meech Road when the collision happened at approximately 11:35 a.m.

Both children were wearing helmets.

Calvin died at the scene.

Karalee was rushed to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Five days later, the family received another devastating loss.

KARalee DID NOT SURVIVE

On September 10, the children’s mother, Raquel Roark Shepard, announced that Karalee had died from complications related to the crash.

She said her daughter passed away peacefully at 1:27 p.m., surrounded by family and deeply loved.

The family had initially planned to hold a funeral for Calvin.

But after Karalee’s condition deteriorated, they made the painful decision to hold one funeral service for both children.

“Our hearts are broken beyond what we can put into words,” the family said.

They explained that they could not bear the thought of saying goodbye to their children twice.

The joint funeral was held on September 15 in East Lansing.

CALVIN WAS REMEMBERED AS A BOY WHO MADE OTHERS FEEL INCLUDED

Before Karalee’s death, her family shared memories of Calvin — a 12-year-old described as energetic, loving and deeply caring toward other people.

His mother said Calvin loved soccer, basketball, swimming, volleyball and video games.

But what stood out most to his family was the way he treated others.

She described him as someone who noticed when other children were being teased or left out and tried to make them feel included.

He was also remembered for his hugs, generosity and willingness to tell people how much he loved them.

For his family, those memories have now become precious reminders of the boy they lost far too soon.

A SISTER WHO FOUGHT TO SURVIVE

Karalee survived the initial collision but suffered life-threatening injuries.

For five days, her family remained by her side, hoping she would recover.

Instead, on September 10, they announced that she had passed away.

Her mother said Karalee was surrounded by loved ones until her final moments.

The family now grieves both children at once — a brother and sister who had been together when the tragedy happened and who were remembered together at their final service.

THE DRIVER REMAINED AT THE SCENE

Michigan State Police said the Ford Explorer was being driven by a 64-year-old woman from Williamston.

She was not injured and remained at the scene following the collision.

Police said preliminary information indicated that drugs and alcohol did not appear to be factors.

As of the latest reports, no arrests or charges had been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.

POLICE SEARCHED FOR A POSSIBLE WITNESS

Investigators later appealed for help from the driver of a white pickup truck that may have been in the area immediately before or during the crash.

Michigan State Police released an image of the vehicle and said its driver could potentially have witnessed what happened.

Police asked anyone who knew the driver — or the driver themselves — to contact the MSP Lansing Post.

The request showed that investigators were still working to establish the full circumstances of the collision.

A COMMUNITY RALLIED AROUND THE FAMILY

As news of the siblings’ deaths spread, the Williamston community began showing its support.

Residents placed green and white ribbons along fences and light poles near Grand River Avenue.

People also discussed candlelight vigils and other ways to honor the children and support their parents.

A GoFundMe campaign was established to help the Shepard family with medical, emergency, personal and funeral expenses.

The fundraiser quickly attracted significant support, with donations surpassing $136,000 according to PEOPLE’s report.

Their father, Cody Shepard, expressed gratitude for the support from friends, neighbors and strangers who had learned about the tragedy.

ONE FUNERAL FOR TWO CHILDREN

The family’s decision to hold one funeral captured the devastating reality of what had happened.

They had expected to say goodbye to Calvin.

Then, just five days later, they lost Karalee too.

Instead of attending two separate funerals, relatives, friends and members of the community gathered to remember them together.

The siblings’ final farewell became a moment not only of grief, but also of remembrance — celebrating two young lives that had been deeply loved by their family.

THEIR STORY IS NOW PART OF AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION

Michigan State Police continue to investigate the crash.

At this stage, authorities have not announced criminal charges against the driver.

The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and whether additional action is warranted.

For the Shepard family, however, the investigation cannot change the reality of their loss.

They have lost two children.

Two siblings who left home together on bicycles on a September morning never returned home.

And five days after Calvin’s death, Karalee joined her brother.

They were only 12 and 13 years old.

Their family says they will continue to carry their memories forward — remembering Calvin for his kindness and big heart, and Karalee for the life she shared with her brother.

A brother and sister. Five days apart. One heartbreaking goodbye. 💔

FULL STORY AND LATEST UPDATES IN THE COMMENTS.

The crash remains under investigation. No criminal charges had been announced in the latest reports, and the driver has not been accused of wrongdoing.