Michigan cycling crash victim’s son to driver: ‘I forgive you’
COOPER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) – The families of the nine bicyclists hit from behind by a pickup truck are beginning to break their silence.
Five people were killed in the June 7 crash in Cooper Township, including Debbie Bradley, Melissa Fevig-Hughes, Tony Nelson, Suzanne Sippel and Larry Paulik. Four other bicyclists remained in the hospital Friday.
Friday, on the same day Charles Pickett Jr. was formally charged with nine crimes including five counts of second-degree murder, Paulik’s son posted an open letter to Pickett on Facebook.
“…my father Larry Paulik and good family friend Tony Nelson along with 3 others were killed by you intentional or not. Words will never encompass the pain that has befallen me, my family, and friends over this accident. Our lives will be forever altered because of this tragic event. I will say that my message specifically to you is this: I forgive you,” he stated.
Paulik said the decision didn’t come easy, as the love for his father ran deep.
“I do however, know that from the time I was given with my father that he would not only want me to forgive you, but would also forgive you himself. This is just a tiny peak (sic) into the strength of man Larry Paulik was,” stated Paulik.
Paulik said Pickett must accept his forgiveness, be truthful, get to know the victims and make it his mission to life to talk about it with others.
“My hope would be to educate against the many causes of these incidents. Whether they involve drinking and driving or road rage or texting while driving,” Paulik said.
Bradley’s family also released the following statement Friday:
In this time of ultimate sorrow we cannot begin to express our appreciation to those who have reached out with their words, deeds and actions to show their love for Debbie. We feel blessed that she was so greatly loved, the expressions continue to provide our family comfort. This is an immensely difficult time for us. We respectfully ask that our family is allowed to grieve and plan in peace.”
A memorial gathering for Bradley’s family and friends will take place Jun 13 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Farley Estes Funeral Home & Cremation Care’s Richland Chapel, located at 9170 East D Ave.
Her burial mass is scheduled for June 14 at 11 a.m. at Augusta’s St. Ann Catholic Church, located at 12648 East D Ave.
The Kalamazoo Strong Organization has set up a fund for the victims of the crash and their families.