LANSING, Mich. — A state police trooper is suspended and could face criminal charges for the fatal three-car accident in DeWitt Township last Friday.
David Engel died Friday night when a state police cruiser hit a semi truck. The semi then hit his car on Old 27 in DeWitt Township.
Engel was just 26 years old. His Facebook page, on Monday, was flooded with messages from friends and family. All expressed how deeply he’ll be missed. One of those friends, Hunter DeSanter, paid him a special tribute.
“Unique, caring, charismatic, he has a tall booming voice, and not afraid to make you laugh in whatever way possible,” said DeSanter. “Sometimes the craziest and darkest of humor but he had that good kindness about him.”
Hunter DeSanter uses Twitch to raise money for friend's funeralDeSanter took a deep breath trying describe the man who’d been his friend for years.
“He introduced me to bands, pop culture, movies, youtube videos and what not,” he explained.
DeSanter said David Engels impact in his life, inspired him to devote his Monday to raising money in his friend’s honor.
“I feel like I need to help them in any way I can because Dave helped me in more ways than one,” DeSanter said.
For 12 hours straight he plans to livestream while playing video games on the media platform Twitch. During that livestream he will broadcast a paypal donation drive to the gaming world.
DeSanter said he and Engel went to middle school together at St. Johns, and carpooled to a pre-college course on digital media.
“From there it just spiraled into a great friendship,” said DeSanter.
The two had plans. They were supposed to meet, have drinks and talk real estate this upcoming Wednesday. DeSanter says his mom’s house was Engel’s first real estate listing.
“It just didn’t seem real considering that he’s 26, the same age as me,” said DeSanter. “He we plans he had so many interests in life.”
Police say Engel was going south down Old 27 when a state police cruiser collided with a semi. That semi hit his car at Cutler Road.
“I was just heartbroken. He was 26 years old, the prime of his life still learning, full potential, fully driven to do whatever he wanted to,” said DeSanter.
Engel’s drive is now fueling DeSanter’s drive. Through fatigue and restlessness, he says he plans to finish the donation drive to the end.
“I’m pretty big in the video gaming world. Like I run my own comic and video game convention. I don’t anticipate making bank but if anyone does help it’s deeply appreciated,” said DeSanter.
Desanter told News 10 any money he raises today will go towards the funeral expenses.
Twitch fundraising is increasing in popularity. Charities and famous gamers use their fan base to spread awareness and raise money for various causes.
DeSanter’s Twich ID is twitch.tv/hdmexiqtioner and called the The David Remembrance Fundraiser Stream if you’d like to join.
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