Devoted mother and father's act of love ends in horror and their five children orphaned
Kwasi Agbottah, 43, and Elizabeth Agbottah, 41, died after an SUV driven by Dejah Latre Berry plowed into them, Detroit Police Department said.
The couple were on their way to get groceries on Friday when Berry allegedly lost control of her vehicle and slammed into the devoted parents. They were rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to their injuries.
Berry, 33, continued along the stretch 'at high speed' after ploughing through the bus stop before slamming into another vehicle at a gas station pump along the road, police said.
She is now facing two counts of reckless driving causing death and driving with a suspended license causing death.
The Agbottahs were beloved members of their community, where they were well known for their missionary work.
They leave behind their five sons, who range in age from two to 15-years-old.
'Elizabeth and Kwasi lived a humble but rich life full of service, fellowship, and creativity,' a tribute on their GoFundMe states.
'Above all, Elizabeth and Kwasi were committed, intentional parents who fostered in their children a love of community, discipleship, and caring for God's creation.
'We know their legacy — of service, education, faith, and radical generosity — lives on through their sons, their writing and music, and in the countless lives they touched.'
The couple met as youth counselors for Bay Shore Ministries Summer youth program in East Palo Alto, California.
Their passion for education and service took them across the country and then finally back to Detroit where they had been living and working since 2019.
Kwasi's best friend Michael Krauter paid tribute to the late father and his wife.
'Kwasi's humility is an example. Elizabeth's joy infectious,' he wrote. 'There was never a short story with either of them, always long with all the details - but we never cared because their stories were better than ours.
'And when they spoke to us, or spit, or rhymed, or sang, or read, or sat in quiet-you grew us closer to God by pouring into us the words of Christ and the Scriptures.
The couple were at a Detroit bus stop on their way to get groceries when Berry plowed into them on Friday, prosecutors said
'Their pride in the privilege of getting to be parents and raising sons was overflowing. They loved you and were so proud of you boys.
'They honored and loved their parents, siblings, and family - it was always on their lips.'
Berry was arraigned on Monday and had her bond set at $50,000. Her next court date is May 7.
If convicted, she the offenses are punishable by 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
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