Daniel Bryant faces two felony charges after a pickup truck crash in Cedar Springs left a 3-year-old girl dead.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened at Northland Estates, a mobile home park, on April 3. Emergency crews tried to save Estella Marie Johnson, but she died from severe injuries.
Bryant is scheduled to appear in court again on April 15 for a probable cause conference hearing.
The Crash
According to court documents filed in the case, Bryant told deputies at the scene that he was driving back from a family member's home just down the street with the child's brother.
He said the 3-year-old likes to run alongside the truck and race it.
Bryant was racing with Estella that evening when he fatally struck her, he told investigators.
As he was driving, Bryant said the child's brother told him to stop. That's when Bryant said he realized Estella was under the truck. He said the child suddenly ran under the truck.
Bryant estimated to investigators that he was driving around 10 mph at the time. However, a sergeant at the scene saw what appeared to be recent acceleration tire marks in front of the home.
He also told deputies at the scene that he is an alcoholic and consumes a half gallon of alcohol daily.
Investigators said alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.
The Charges
On Monday, Bryant faced a judge in 63rd District Court and was arraigned on two counts: reckless driving causing death and child abuse, second degree, in connection with the April 3 incident.
The judge set his bond at $500,000.
Online court records show Bryant pleaded guilty to driving recklessly in Kent County for an offense in 2020.
Community Impact
A fundraiser supporting the child's family has raised more than $20,000 for funeral arrangements.
Though her time on earth was far too short, Estella's life was filled with a light and love that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. She was deeply loved and brought immense joy to everyone around her, her obituary reads.