According to The Christian Post, the grieving family of a Detroit pastor struck and killed by a vehicle is questioning why the driver, confirmed to be in the U.S. illegally, was allowed freedom pending trial.

In early November, Pastor Stephen Singleton was fatally injured while on a morning walk in Michigan when hit by a car operated by an undocumented Colombian immigrant.

Stephen Singleton, 72, was accustomed to taking morning walks, a practice known for enhancing both his physical and spiritual well-being. On this fateful day, he was wearing a reflective vest and crossing the street at a marked crosswalk when a 2013 Ford Focus barrelled into him.

The Tragic Moment Unfolds On an Otherwise Quiet Morning

Witnesses at the scene reported that the car's driver ignored a red light just before hitting Singleton. Although investigators determined that neither speed nor alcohol contributed to the incident, the impact resulted in catastrophic injuries to Singleton, including multiple bone fractures, damaged internal organs, and a cracked skull.

Despite undergoing two craniotomies in an attempt to save his life, Singleton succumbed to his injuries several days later, leaving a community in mourning and a family grappling with their profound loss.

The Community Loses a Respected and Loving Leader

Singleton was deeply embedded in his Detroit community, renowned for his commitment to church services and extensive volunteer work. His dedication extended beyond local concerns as he was involved in efforts like volunteering at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks, showcasing his enduring spirit of service.

Teri Singleton, his wife of 53 years, described him as a beacon of love and community concern. Neighbors and church members, she noted, immediately came to offer condolences, recognizing Singleton’s impact even without seeing his name published in related reports.

Family's Grief Compounded by the Driver's Release

The driver’s release pending a court appearance has left the Singleton family distraught. Teri expressed her torment overseeing the responsible party "walking around" while her husband's death leaves a void in her life and the community.

"He's dead and they're walking around. What's bothering me," Teri told reporters, highlighting the dissonance between her family's loss and the perceived lack of immediate justice.

The family’s pain is palpable, with their daughter, Ruth, struggling to comprehend the loss of her father over an incident that she sees as both trivial and avoidable. "One day, I wake up and just know he’s gone for such a simple and senseless thing. I just don’t understand," Ruth shared.

Remembering Pastor Singleton's Spirit and Leadership

Among Singleton's lasting memories is a particular instance in September 2023 when he recited the Lord’s Prayer in multiple modulations during a church service, inspiring those around him. "He said it with a whisper, a shout, a sing, and then with so much passion that it brought me to tears," Teri recalled, reflecting on the strength and passion her husband always brought to his faith and community leadership.

In spite of the tragedy, Ruth chooses to embrace the teachings of her father, focusing on love over anger. "I will not be angry because this has happened. I refuse to be angry. I will still love like my Dad taught me to," she stated, showing resilience in the face of grief.

Support for the Singleton Family Grows

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Singleton family has created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the pastor's memorial service, a testament to the community’s high regard for him.

As the court date looms for the driver, the community and the Singleton family await answers and justice, hoping for closure in a saga that has deeply affected many lives.