A 75-year-old veteran from Michigan, Lloyd Poole, tragically passed away after being struck by a DoorDash driver who had admonished him to slow down.
Poole fell into a coma and endured multiple medical procedures, including the removal of part of his skull and seven brain surgeries, before dying on May 16, nearly five months post-incident, as reported by his family.
“He underwent numerous surgeries during that period and faced many complications, including infections and pneumonia,” Lindsey Gonzalez, Poole’s stepdaughter, shared with CBS Detroit.
“It’s been a downward spiral since that night,” she added.
The incident reportedly took place on December 28 in Wixom, roughly 30 miles from Detroit, when Ryan Daniel Turner, a 40-year-old DoorDash driver, allegedly punched Poole after confronting him about speeding in the area.
Turner later confessed to the act at a nearby police station, following reports of an unconscious man found on the road.
“The coroner has determined the cause of death to be homicide resulting from blunt force trauma,” Gonzalez stated.
Prior to the assault, Poole and his wife had just returned from a trip to Ireland and were looking forward to another vacation in Alaska this year.
“My mom and my stepdad’s plans for those golden years were taken away from them by this man,” Gonzalez expressed.
Turner, who was out on bail, faces a count of aggravated assault. Court documents reveal he is set for a pretrial hearing.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office announced that, following Poole’s death, they may enhance the charges against Turner.
“We are saddened by Lloyd Poole’s passing and will relentlessly seek justice for his family,” an attorney representing the office stated, noting they are currently reviewing the case for potential amendments to the charges based on further evidence.
Poole’s family remains frustrated that Turner is not incarcerated. “He might be on house arrest, but he’s still out there while this has happened to Lloyd,” Gonzalez remarked.
