A crash in Detroit on Saturday left two sisters, ages 8 and 16, dead. Their mother says her life changed forever in an instant, as she now faces the unthinkable loss of both her daughters.
The incident happened near E. 7 Mile and Gratiot, when a Lincoln MKZ driven by the suspect slammed into a Buick carrying the two girls.
8-year-old Savannah Allen-Vandergraff died after being transported to the hospital. Her sister, 16-year-old Siyana Allen, survived the crash but later died at the hospital after being placed on life support.
Their grandmother, who was driving, remains hospitalized with four broken ribs, a fractured spine, and a broken neck. She was on her way back home with the kids.
“My oldest daughter, Siyana, she was my firstborn child. She was very determined. She is a bright kid. She was into sports. She’s very smart, intelligent. She was into books. She stayed out of trouble. Savannah, once again, a good kid all around. Bright, intelligent. She loved gymnastics. She loved playing with her friends. Being a princess. She was a princess all the way around. Just a great kid,” the mother, Sonja Allen, told MDN.
Prosecutors say the suspect, 41-year-old Amir Khalid, was allegedly speeding at 83 mph just seconds before the crash. A post-crash blood alcohol test revealed a 0.106 BAC.
In court, prosecutors also noted Khalid’s history of impaired driving:
• 2022 OWI conviction
• April 2025 OWI second offense
Khalid has been charged with two counts of Reckless Driving Causing Death and one count of Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function.
The family has launched a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses for both sisters. Donate by clicking HERE.
“Love your family. Hold them tight. Tell them you love them. Spend more time while you have a chance. The incident was very unexpected for me… It’s just sad and devastating to have to go through something like this, because of a senseless driver.”
