DEARBORN (WWJ) - Friends, family and community members are grieving the death of a beloved dentist and father of five after he tragically died in a vehicle crash in Dearborn on Monday.
The Newman Family Dental Center, located at 3733 S Telegraph Road in Dearborn, confirmed the death of "dear friend and colleague, Dr. Chris Clifford" in a serious car crash as he was driving home from work on Sept. 25.
Clifford, a 41-year-old dentist, was driving a Dodge Challenger ScatPack when he was involved in a rear-end crash with a Tesla at Telegraph and Carlysle and suffered a medical episode, FOX 2 reported.
Clifford was rushed to a nearby hospital, but died.
The details surrounding the crash are still under investigation. Unconfirmed reports state the Tesla driver sustained minor injuries. No other details were released.
Clifford is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Lindsey, and their five children.
"Chris was a man who cherished his family with unwavering love and embraced the teaching of the Lord with a profound faith," a GoFundMe page set up in his memory stated. "His life was a testament to the virtues of generosity, kindness, and care. His family is devastated by this tragic loss and have hope in the knowledge that he is with his savior."
According to Newman Family Dental Center, Clifford graduated from the University of Michigan Dental School in 2009 and began work for a large group practice. He joined Newman Family Dental in April of 2023.
He was a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Michigan Dental Association, where he served on the Committee for Continuing Education. Clifford was also a member of the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society.
Lindsey told FOX 2 that her husband was as much a dedicated father as he was a dentist. The family had taken a summer trip to Cedar Point and he had just taken their oldest son to his first Michigan football game this past Saturday.
Clifford's biography at the dental clinic stated that he pursed advanced training in implant and cosmetic dentistry -- but his wife did reveal one of his guilty pleasures.
"He ate more candy than any dentist should," she told FOX 2.
A GoFundMe campaign, as well as a Meal Train, has been established to help ease the financial and emotional burden the Clifford family is now facing, organizer Cathy Benoit Bindschadler said.
"From funeral expenses to providing emotional support, every donation helps make this difficult journey a little more bearable," Benoit Bindschadler wrote.
"Join us in preserving the memory of Chris, a life that touched us all. Together, we can provide the support needed to navigate the difficult road ahead. Thank you for your compassion and for helping us remember Chris. His legacy of love for both family and God continues to shine brightly in our hearts."
For those who wish to donate to the family, visit GoFundMe. For those who want to prepare a meal, you can do so here at Meal Train
