A Pontiac community is mourning after a devastating crash claimed the lives of a 37-year-old mother and her two young sons on Friday night in Oakland County.
The victims have been identified by family members as Deniquah, her 6-year-old son Dior, and 4-year-old son Dex. The only survivor in their car was Deniquah’s 9-year-old daughter, Demi, who is hospitalized and recovering but now faces life without her mother and brothers.
The Crash
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the intersection of Montcalm Road and Joslyn Road in Pontiac around 8:20 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, after multiple 911 callers reported a serious collision.
Investigators say a 2022 Honda Civic, driven southbound on Joslyn Road by a 21-year-old Pontiac man, crossed into oncoming traffic before leaving the roadway. The car struck several signs and poles before re-entering Montcalm Road, where it collided with a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu that was stopped at a red light.
The Malibu carried the Pontiac family of four. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene and emergency transport to McLaren Oakland Hospital, Deniquah, Dior, and Dex were pronounced dead.
Demi, the 9-year-old, was critically injured and remains under care at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak.
The Civic driver was also hospitalized but is in stable condition.
Speed Suspected; Investigation Ongoing
Authorities confirmed that speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash. The sheriff’s office added that investigators are working to determine whether alcohol or drugs also played a role.
Family Grieves, Community Rallies
Loved ones of the victims say they are now forced to navigate unimaginable grief while preparing funerals and trying to create stability for young Demi’s future.
In a statement shared on a GoFundMe page set up for the family, relatives wrote:
“No parent or grandparent should ever have to bury their child and grandchildren.”
Community members are being asked to support the family through donations. The GoFundMe link is available on our website.
