Fatal I-75 accident kills mother; baby in critical

A mother was killed in a crash on I-75 and her newborn baby is fighting to live.

Dawn Spicer died in the accident, while family members are hoping her baby girl can recover after brain surgery. The 3-week-old baby was critically injured and is at Detroit Children's Hospital of Michigan.

"This has been a real tragedy, something I hope no one else ever has to go through," said Keith Spicer.

It was just last Saturday when Spicer gave his daughter a hug, strapped his granddaughter in her car seat, and watched them drive away after his first time babysitting little Elizabeth.

"I felt so proud to sit there and hold her," Spicer said. "My last words to Dawn as she leaves me, I always tell her I love her and she tells me she loves me. Those were our last words spoken to each other."

Minutes later, the car carrying 36-year-old Dawn Spicer, 3-week-old Elizabeth, and a friend of Dawn's, collided with a semi-truck on I-75, just south of Dix Highway.

"I miss my sister, it's the only sister I had," said Heather Spicer.

The family, struggling with the loss of Dawn, fights to stay strong for Elizabeth.

She underwent brain surgery on Sunday and doctors say the next few days will be crucial to her recovery.

"As long as the swelling doesn't increase," Keith said. "Then they'll do a re-surgery and put part of the bone back in her head. So far it's looking good."

Dawn also leaves behind an 11-year-old-son Devin, who now only wants to be at his sister's side.

"Just say a lot of prayers for this baby," Keith said. "This baby is my concern. She was 27 days old when this happened. She is in very bad shape.

"That's my concern is the baby. I understand it's not going to bring my daughter back. So I'm going to have to take care of this baby and do the best I can."

The family is asking for help with the medical expenses for baby Elizabeth, if you can help, CLICK HERE for the GoFundMe link.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident.