Gofundme posted for family who lost 'little angel' 5-year-old Naevi in Thanksgiving Day crash on Van Dyke Freeway

Family says Naevi's little brother is in intensive care with a long recovery ahead
Naevi, at left, with her little bother at right.
Naevi, at left, with her little bother at right. Photo credit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-naevis-and-valons-recovery

BRUCE TWP. (WWJ) -- There's an online fundraiser seeking support for the family of a little girl who died tragically in a head-crash on Thanksgiving Day in northern Macomb County.

The victim has been identified on a GoFundMe page as 5-year-old Naevi, who attended Violet Elementary School in St. Clair Shores.

Michigan State Police said the girl and her 2-year old brother were not properly buckled in the back seat of the car when their father crossed the center line on the Van Dyke Freeway, near Ebeling Rd., and crashed head-on into another car.

Naevi was killed. Her little brother, their father and an 18-year old woman driving the other car were all hospitalized with serious injuries.

Investigators aren't sure what caused the father to veer into oncoming traffic. MSP said there was no evidence of braking before impact.

The 18-year-old in the other car was following her boyfriend, police said. The boyfriend was able to swerve out of the way prior to the crash, and was not hit.

The following message was posted by on the GoFundMe page with an $80,000 goal.

"Thanksgiving this year (11/27/25), turned out to be one of the worst days of our lives. Morgan’s beloved 5 year old Naevi, and 2 year old Valon, were involved in a tragic car accident that took Naevi’s life, and put Valon in intensive care with a long recovery ahead.

"Naevi was the most amazing little girl you would ever meet. She lit up a room without fail, her personality larger than life, she is her mother's best friend, she can’t fathom how to figure out how to navigate through this life without her. She loved everyone and was so incredibly loved by our family. She would ask any kids she met if they wanted to be her friend. She was the best big sister and adored her baby brother more than anything. This tragedy has changed our family forever. Losing our little angel is the most unexpected thing any of us could have ever imagined.

"Their mother, Morgan, can use all the help and prayers possible. This fundraiser is to help support medical bills and living cost during this heartbreaking time. Any amount, no matter how small makes a difference.

"We thank you all for the thoughts and prayers for Naevi, Valon and Morgan. Our little Naevi will be in our hearts always❤️"

This who wish to help can make a donation at this link.

Meanwhile, the State Police investigation into the crash is ongoing.

MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said: “We do know that neither child was properly restrained and only one car seat was in the vehicle. What we don’t know is why the at fault driver crossed over into the on coming lanes. A blood draw was taken as part of the investigation. It is particularly heartbreaking when a preventable crash occurs on a holiday. It is even worse when a child loses their life. Please make sure to wear your seatbelt and that your children are properly restrained every trip.”

Featured Image Photo Credit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-naevis-and-valons-recovery