Michigan family loses both sons in separate car accidents 3 months apart

A Michigan family is grieving the loss of both of their sons who were killed in separate car accidents only three months apart.

Ryan Tsatsos, 18, died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver as he walked with friends near Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant early Sunday, The Detroit News reported.

The driver was going as much as 80 mph and sent Ryan flying some 30 feet into a ditch, a local Fox News affiliate reported. The former high school football star reportedly pushed his female friend out of the way when he heard the car coming, taking the hit himself.

“They heard the car; he pushed the girl right away,” said his mother, Julie Tsatsos. “I guess the car was going really, really fast.”

On July 26, Ryan’s older brother, 19-year-old Darryl Tsatsos, died in a three-car crash that remains under investigation in Macomb County. According to police, Darryl crashed his Pontiac G6 after a sheriff’s deputy tried to pull him over for speeding, The Detroit News reported.

Ryan and Darryl were the only children of Paul and Julie Tsatsos. A gofundme fundraiser set up to help them with funeral expenses has surpassed $28,000 and continues to grow.

“The outpouring of love and support is so touching,” Mrs. Tsatsos told Fox. “To know that people care and that he touched so many people’s lives.”

Mr. Tsatsos said “the same people [who] were here when Darryl died are back here, some as early as 3:30 in the morning, within an hour of us hearing the news,” Fox reported.

Michigan State Police Sgt. Kim Vetter said Monday that no arrests have been made yet in Ryan’s death.

“We are following up on tips. We are aware that the family lost their other son three months ago. This is a terribly tragic situation,” she said.

Anyone with information on the driver is asked to contact the Michigan State Police Mount Pleasant post at (989) 773-5951 or Isabella County Central Dispatch at (989) 773-1000.