Veteran Passes Away Following Reported Incident Involving Fast DoorDash Driver

Michigan Veteran Tragically Killed After Altercation with DoorDash Driver

A 75-year-old veteran from Michigan lost his life while driving through his neighborhood after being struck by a DoorDash driver who had asked him to slow down.

Lloyd Poole fell into a coma and never regained consciousness following an incident outside his Wixom home late last year. Reports indicate he had been in critical condition since December 28, until his passing last week.

The accused driver, Ryan Turner, 40, was initially charged with aggravated assault. In light of Poole’s death, prosecutors are contemplating whether to elevate the charges against him.

In a statement, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office expressed sadness over Poole’s death and affirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for his family. They mentioned that charges might be amended depending on the evidence available.

Jen Shaw, Poole’s daughter, shared that her father was walking their dog when Turner sped by. Shaw emphasized that the neighborhood lacks sidewalks, prompting residents to walk on the road.

“My dad yelled at the guy to slow down,” Shaw recounted. She explained that Turner drove by her father, then returned after completing a delivery, prompting Poole to again request that he slow down.

According to Shaw, neighborhood surveillance captured the ensuing moments. Poole stepped outside to jot down Turner’s license plate. When Turner stopped and exited his vehicle, a confrontation ensued. Before long, he allegedly struck Poole, knocking him to the ground.

“Out of nowhere, he punched my father in the side of the head,” Shaw said, noting her father seemed unprepared for the attack.

Poole sustained a head injury from the fall, and Shaw indicated that Turner got back in his car and left her father lying on the road.

Police reports indicate that Turner confessed to the assault and fleeing the scene. He claimed he acted in self-defense, feeling threatened by Poole’s actions, a reasoning that Shaw deemed “ridiculous.”

Following the attack, Poole underwent emergency surgery for a severe brain hemorrhage but remained unconscious for an extended period.

Additionally, Turner has a history of driving violations, including operating a vehicle with a suspended or invalid license, and was previously charged in a separate road rage incident in 2022, which was later downgraded to a misdemeanor.

In response to the incident, DoorDash publicly condemned the alleged attack and confirmed that the individual involved has been permanently barred from the platform, indicating cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation.