GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI – A Michigan community is reeling after a tragic car crash took the life of 18-year-old Flynn MacKrell, a promising college student and swimmer, in November 2023. The crash, which occurred when the driver, 17-year-old Kiernan Tague, lost control of a BMW X3 M series at 105 mph on a residential street, has left a family devastated and sparked a heated debate about parental responsibility.
Reckless Driving and A Preventable Tragedy
According to police reports, Tague had a history of reckless driving that was well-documented through a safety app called Life360, which his mother, Elizabeth Puleo-Tague, used to monitor his driving habits. Despite numerous warnings and concerns over his high-speed antics — including reaching speeds over 150 mph on multiple occasions — Tague continued his dangerous behavior unchecked. His mother, aware of these tendencies, even texted him urging him to slow down but never took decisive action to prevent further reckless driving.
In a move that has raised eyebrows, Puleo-Tague purchased a high-powered BMW for her son just weeks before the fatal crash, despite knowing his penchant for speed. On the night of the accident, Tague was driving this vehicle when he lost control, veering into a pole and a tree, ultimately killing his friend and passenger, Flynn MacKrell.
A Mother’s Plea for Accountability
Nine months after the tragic loss of her son, Flynn’s mother, Anne Vanker, is calling for justice, not only against Tague but also against his mother. Vanker argues that Puleo-Tague’s failure to take action to curb her son’s reckless driving makes her complicit in Flynn’s death. “She knew he was driving dangerously and did nothing to stop it,” Vanker stated in a recent interview. “It’s like she handed him a loaded gun.”
Vanker has drawn parallels to a high-profile case from 2021, where the parents of a school shooter were charged with involuntary manslaughter after failing to secure the firearm used in the shooting. Vanker and her family believe that similar charges should be brought against Puleo-Tague, arguing that her inaction led directly to the circumstances that caused Flynn’s death.
Calls for Legal Action
The MacKrell family has formally requested that Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy pursue charges against Puleo-Tague for her role in the incident. “The evidence clearly shows that she was aware of her son’s dangerous driving habits and still provided him access to a more powerful car,” said Thad MacKrell, Flynn’s father. The family’s plea comes on the heels of a groundbreaking case in New York, where parents were held accountable for allowing their unlicensed son to drive, resulting in a fatal crash.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed receiving the MacKrell family’s request but has yet to announce whether charges will be filed. Meanwhile, Tague faces second-degree murder charges and could be sentenced as an adult or juvenile if convicted.
A Troubled Past
Police records reveal that Tague’s reckless behavior extended beyond driving. He had numerous run-ins with law enforcement, often for domestic disturbances at home. Reports indicate his mother repeatedly called the police out of fear for her own safety, citing instances of verbal abuse and physical altercations with her son. In one instance in 2020, Tague allegedly assaulted his mother in a fit of rage after she refused to get him an American Express Gold Card.
Despite these troubling signs, Tague was given access to a high-powered vehicle, a decision that has left many questioning Puleo-Tague’s judgment. The MacKrell family believes that this decision directly contributed to the fatal accident that took their son’s life.
Community Outrage and a Call for Change
The tragic events have sparked a broader conversation about parental responsibility and accountability, particularly when it comes to preventing dangerous behavior among teenagers. “This isn’t just about Flynn,” said Vanker. “It’s about preventing this from happening to someone else’s child. We need to hold parents accountable when they fail to act.”
As the case unfolds, the community of Grosse Pointe Farms is left grappling with the loss of a promising young man and the difficult questions about what could have been done to prevent such a tragedy. Flynn MacKrell remembered for his gentle demeanor and love for swimming, is survived by his grieving family, who continue to seek justice for their son.
“We just want accountability,” Vanker said. “Someone needs to be held responsible for the choices that led to my son’s death.”
