DETROIT — Early Saturday morning, a deadly collision on Detroit’s east side claimed the lives of two men and added to a troubling pattern of fatal crashes along Gratiot Avenue. The crash took place at the intersection of Gratiot Avenue and Mount Elliot Street, involving an SUV and a motorcycle. Detroit police confirmed that alcohol may have played a role in the tragedy, and the driver of the SUV, a woman in her 30s, has been taken into custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities identified one of the victims as Quentin “Duck” Kisor, who was riding the motorcycle at the time of the crash. Kisor’s friend, Chalmaine Hobbs, visited the crash site on Saturday to honor his memory. She described him as a lively and warm-hearted individual who was always joking, smiling, and bringing joy to those around him. Hobbs, who had known Kisor for two decades, reflected on his passion for motorcycles, emphasizing how much he loved his bike. The loss, she said, is “just devastating.”
The crash has again drawn attention to the growing dangers on Gratiot Avenue, where a series of deadly accidents in recent months has raised alarms among residents and police alike. In August, two young children were killed in a crash near Gratiot and August Street. Just weeks later in September, a woman lost her life after colliding with another vehicle and then crashing into Avenue Grill on the same roadway. These tragic incidents have fueled mounting concerns about reckless driving, speeding, and impaired motorists along the busy corridor.
In response, the Detroit Police Department has ramped up enforcement operations on Gratiot Avenue, hoping to deter dangerous driving behaviors and prevent further loss of life. Captain Sederick Dunbar of the department stressed the importance of these efforts, explaining that proactive measures are essential to changing driver behavior. Dunbar pushed back on criticism that more could be done, saying the traffic enforcement unit is already working aggressively to address the problem. He reminded drivers that the posted speed limit on Gratiot Avenue is 35 miles per hour, urging everyone to exercise caution and responsibility on the road.
For those who knew Quentin Kisor personally, the latest crash is not just a statistic in an alarming trend but a deeply personal loss. Hobbs, who shared her grief at the site where her longtime friend’s life ended, said Kisor’s personality lit up any room he entered. She recalled his humor and his energy, calling him “an amazing person.” She emphasized that his love for motorcycles was a defining part of who he was. The sudden and violent way in which his life ended left her and others close to him heartbroken.
The second victim of the crash has not yet been publicly identified. Police have not released details about whether the SUV driver is facing charges, but they confirmed she remains in custody as the investigation proceeds. Officials are awaiting toxicology reports and other findings that may help clarify what led to the deadly crash.
As Detroit police continue to focus on curbing reckless driving, the grief of families and friends left behind remains a stark reminder of the human toll behind the statistics. Hobbs expressed her sorrow not only for Kisor but also for the other man who lost his life in the crash. “I just want to say rest in peace to both of the young men who lost their lives,” she said, underscoring the shared pain of another tragic night on Detroit’s roads.
This latest crash highlights both the urgency of increased traffic safety measures and the devastating impact that impaired or reckless driving has on families and communities. With enforcement efforts underway, city officials hope to stem the string of tragedies along Gratiot Avenue before more lives are lost.
