Couple identified in fatal collision in Corktown

DETROIT Family and friends of Rodney and Marlene Rodriguez remember the two after they were killed in a collision with two cars on Michigan Avenue.

According to a GoFundMe page, Rodney and Marlene were married for 43 years. They were loving parents, grandparents, and devoted to the city of Detroit. Both were well known in their neighborhood and had a big heart to help others.

Rodney just picked up his wife from work at a city casino when the crash happened on New Year’s Eve.

Larry and Tahisha Smith were leaving MGM Casino just when they saw the crash.

“We heard the noise, didn’t know exactly what it was by the time we got there, we saw the hood and another part of the car destroyed,” said Tahisha Smith.

Police said Rodney and Marlene were in their Mercury Sable, which had split in two on impact. Officers told Local 4 that an 87-year-old man was driving a 2017 Cadillac and heading west on Michigan Avenue when he ran into Rodney and Marlene.

Now many are trying to find out what happened.

“I don’t know if it was the gray car that did it or the Cadillac that did it, but whoever did it shouldn’t have done it because look at how it ended, I mean three lives past, what for?” Smith said. ‘It was something I never want to see again. My heart goes out to the family because that is a hard way to lose someone. “

Police said the 87-year-old driver also died.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up.

A GoFundMe has been established to help pay for funeral expenses. You can donate here.