Michigan Father of Twins Suffers Life-Altering Injury in Disturbing Incident
WESTLAND, Mich. – In a shocking and tragic turn of events, a Michigan father has suffered a devastating injury when a neighbor allegedly crashed her car into him in his driveway. Luke Vinsko, the father of 3-month-old twins, is now facing a new reality after losing part of his leg in the accident, which took place on August 10, 2024.
The Incident
The incident occurred at approximately 7:17 p.m. in the 34000 block of Florence Street, while Luke and his wife, Haley, were unloading items from their car. According to police reports, April Marie Graves, a 43-year-old Westland resident, intentionally crashed her vehicle into the couple, leaving Luke severely injured and pinned beneath the car.
Haley vividly recalls the harrowing moment as she saw a red car speeding toward them. “I watched as it hit him and pinned him between her car and his,” she said. Trying to remain calm in the chaos, Haley climbed over the garage door to reach her husband, calling 911 and keeping him awake until help arrived.
Heroism Amidst Tragedy
Luke’s injuries required firefighters to work diligently to free him from underneath the car before he was rushed to the hospital. Sadly, he ended up needing amputation of part of his leg due to the severity of his injuries. “It took me a long time to get my head all together,” said Luke, reflecting on the aftermath of the incident. He’s determined to face this new chapter of his life positively, stating, “I’m going to do everything I have been doing my entire life, but better.”
With a challenging road ahead that involves lifelong treatment and rehabilitation, Luke is grateful for the unwavering support from his phenomenal wife. “She’s been doing everything under the moon,” he noted, as she juggles their children and helps manage his medical needs.
Looking Ahead
The Vinskos have expressed a desire to move to a more accessible home, as the current one has stairs, which pose difficulties for Luke’s recovery. Additionally, the couple is grappling with emotional scars; Haley admits to feeling jumpy whenever she hears cars accelerating. “I do not like being outside anymore,” she confided.
Seeking Justice
The family has decided to pursue legal action, filing a $50 million lawsuit against Graves and her insurance provider, highlighting their need for justice and accountability in a situation that never should have happened. Their lawyer has stated that they hope to bring attention to the severity of the events that unfolded that night.
Meanwhile, the Westland Police Department is under scrutiny for their delayed response to earlier calls about April Graves’s erratic behavior on the day of the incident. While officers arrived shortly after Haley’s call, witnesses reported that multiple calls were made before, raising concerns about whether police intervention could have prevented the crash and ultimately Luke’s serious injuries.
Public Response
As the community processes this heartbreaking incident, many are left wondering how it could have occurred. Local police are conducting an internal investigation to understand the timeline and evaluate their response protocols. The hope is that this incident will lead to more efficient measures in similar situations in the future.
As the Vinsko family navigates this new normal, Luke’s indomitable spirit shines through the darkness of their current circumstances. “It might slow me down,” he said, “but it’s not going to stop me.” Their story is a reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit, as they work together to rebuild their lives, one day at a time.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
