The Williamston, Michigan, community is mourning the death of Karalee Daisy Shepard, 13, who died on Thursday, September 10, five days after she and her younger brother, Calvin Roark Shepard, were struck while riding their bicycles.
The siblings were involved in the September 5 collision in Leroy Township, Michigan. According to Michigan State Police reports cited by local and national outlets, the children were riding along Grand River Avenue when they were struck by a Ford Explorer. Calvin, 12, died at the scene, while Karalee was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Karalee remained in critical condition for five days before her family announced her death. Her mother, Raquel Roark Shepard, shared the news with family, friends and supporters, expressing gratitude for the prayers and messages that had surrounded the family during the difficult days.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Karalee Daisy Shepard |
| Age | 13 |
| Date of death | September 10, 2026 |
| Accident date | September 5, 2026 |
| Location of crash | Leroy Township, Michigan |
| Brother | Calvin Roark Shepard, 12 |
| Brother’s death | Died at the scene of the September 5 crash |
| Karalee’s condition | Hospitalized with life-threatening injuries |
| Cause of death | Injuries sustained in the bicycle collision |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
| Arrests or charges | None reported in the latest available reports |
| Funeral arrangements | A joint service for Karalee and Calvin was announced by the family |
Remembered for Her Joy and Kindness
According to her family, Karalee was known from childhood for her happiness, expressive personality and ability to bring warmth into the home.
Her loved ones remembered her as a child who enjoyed talking, laughing and singing. As she grew older, those qualities remained part of the way she interacted with the people around her.
Family members also described Karalee as someone whose kindness and welcoming nature made others feel valued and loved.
A Love for Singing and Musical Theater
Music was another important part of Karalee’s life, according to her family.
She sang at church, participated in school choir and enjoyed performing in musical productions. One experience that remained especially meaningful to her family came when she was 11 and auditioned for a production of Annie.
Karalee initially planned to audition for a background role, but a director encouraged her to try for the title character. Her family said she was frightened by the idea and initially worried that she would not be able to perform the role.
With encouragement from her mother and through prayer, she found the courage to audition and ultimately received the role of Annie.
For Karalee’s family, the experience represented more than a successful audition. They remembered it as a moment that helped strengthen her confidence and deepened her faith.
Community Mourns Two Siblings
The deaths of Karalee and Calvin have left the Shepard family and their wider community grieving. Local reports said the family chose to combine the siblings’ funeral arrangements rather than hold separate services.
The crash remains under investigation. The driver of the Ford Explorer, identified in reports as a 64-year-old woman, remained at the scene, and the latest reports said no arrests or charges had been announced.
Karalee is being remembered by those who knew her for her smile, faith, music, kindness and the joy she brought to the lives of others.