Grosse Pointe Woods Woman Charged In Crash That Killed Fraser Teacher

GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MI — A Grosse Pointe Woods woman was charged in connection to a Harper Woods freeway crash that killed a Fraser high school teacher, according to Michigan State Police.

Brooke Lynn Denise Charles, 25, was charged with operating while intoxicated causing death, failure to stop at the scene of a crash resulting in death and assaulting/resisting a police officer. She was placed in jail with a $50,000 cash bond. Her next court hearing was scheduled for June 28.

Police said Connor McMahon, from Roseville, was on the right shoulder of eastbound Interstate 94 near Vernier Road changing a flat tire on June 13 at 10:22 p.m. when the woman crashed into him and his vehicle. McMahon was killed in the crash, police said.

After the crash, police said Charles ran away on foot after the crash. Harper Woods Police captured Charles after a brief foot chase, officials said.

Police said Charles injured an officer and bit a state trooper during the chase.

"A series of horrible - and allegedly criminal - decisions by now defendant Charles led her to being charged with numerous offenses," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "The evidence will show that she caused the death of Connor McMahon, a much beloved teacher. The messaging about drinking and driving has been around for decades. It cannot be repeated enough."

Officials said McMahon was a social studies teacher at Fraser Public High school, where he also graduated from in 2017.

"Connor’s passing is a heartbreaking tragedy," principal Ryan Sines said. "He just finished his first year as a social studies teacher at Fraser High School and was so excited to be teaching at his alma mater."

Sines added that McMahon "was always willing to go above and beyond for his colleagues and students, and will truly be missed by all who knew him."