No charges will be filed in death of hockey star Ian Jenkins, prosecutors say
No criminal charges will be filed in connection with an accident in Milan in May that resulted in the death of 15-year-old hockey star Ian Jenkins, Washtenaw County Chief Deputy Assistant Prosecutor Steve Hiller said today.
Jenkins fell or jumped off a pickup truck that his 16-year-old friend was driving May 19 and hit his head, investigators said. He never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead four days later at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Ian Jenkins
Milan police said Jenkins was sitting on the truck bed cover with his feet resting on the bumper when he fell about 3:45 p.m. as the truck turned onto Eisenhower Lane from Reagan Lane.
Jenkins' family members had told Milan police they didn't want charges filed against the boy who was driving, but it was up to prosecutors to determine whether there was any criminal liability on his part.
Police had previously said the driver had a valid license, wasn't driving erratically or traveling at an excessive rate of speed.
The accident occurred the day after Jenkins signed a contract with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, which can put players on the fast track to the NHL.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
RJKing
Sat, Aug 13, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
I am so sorry for the pain this family will endure for the rest of their lives. Their acceptance of the driver not being responsible, and our legal system agreeing, is proof there's good people out there. My sincere condolenses.
RJA
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
Such a sad loss for family and friends. The decision of Ian's parents is no doubt a reasonable one. May Ian rest in peace, and his parents find a sort of comfort in their decision.
John B.
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:56 p.m.
Considering the circumstances, and taking into account the parents' wishes, this was an appropriate decision.
monroe c
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
I'm very relieved for this young man, and I think it was the right decision not to charge him, but how was the decision made? I mean, what was the difference between his case and this one?: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/an-18-year-old-canton-woman-has/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/an-18-year-old-canton-woman-has/</a> I think that's a fair question to ask our elected prosecutor and his representatives.
lynel
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.
The driver failed to yield to the right of way.
Cash
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 11:05 p.m.
You make an excellent point. That would be an interesting explanation. I thought this decision should have also been the decision on the other case, myself.
Lola
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:07 p.m.
Glad to hear no charges will be filed. I'm sure the prosecutor took the family's request into consideration. This was a tragic accident and nothing criminal. Rest in peace, Ian. May your family find peace as well.
A2Monty
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
This is a very heart wrenching story and hope peace to all the family and freinds.
doglover
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 8:18 p.m.
Thank goodness! There was nothing to be gained in filing charges, just more pain. RIP
breadman
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
Ian might be in heaven! Do to his wonderful family he has.... Ian is still walking the grounds......