On a quiet Sunday evening, April 27, 2025, tragedy struck a Flint neighborhood when a devastating car accident claimed the life of Chant Grath and left another individual fighting for survival. The collision, which occurred on the 6500 block of Dupont Street, unfolded just before dusk, shattering the calm of a residential area and leaving the community grappling with grief. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where they encountered a harrowing sight: a severely damaged vehicle with two occupants trapped inside, both unconscious and in critical condition. Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters, paramedics, and police, Chant Grath, a beloved member of the Flint community, could not be saved. Her death has sent ripples of sorrow through the city, prompting an outpouring of tributes and raising urgent questions about road safety in the area.
The accident was reported around 6:45 p.m., according to Flint Police Department officials, who were among the first to arrive. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with the sound of screeching tires and a deafening crash piercing the evening air. Preliminary investigations suggest that the vehicle veered off the road, possibly due to high speed or loss of control, before colliding with a stationary object—likely a tree or utility pole. The impact was catastrophic, crumpling the car and trapping Grath and the second occupant, whose identity has not been released pending family notification. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extricate the victims, using specialized equipment to cut through the wreckage. Paramedics provided immediate care, but Grath was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition, according to hospital sources.
Chant Grath, 34, was a well-known figure in Flint, remembered for her warmth, generosity, and dedication to her family and friends. A lifelong resident, she worked as a community organizer, advocating for youth programs and neighborhood revitalization. Friends described her as a beacon of hope in a city that has faced its share of challenges. “Chant had this way of making everyone feel seen,” said longtime friend Marisa Thompson. “She was always planning events to bring people together—barbecues, fundraisers, anything to lift spirits.” Grath leaves behind a young daughter and a grieving family, who have requested privacy as they navigate their loss. A makeshift memorial has already begun to form at the crash site, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes piling up in her honor.
The Flint Police Department is actively investigating the cause of the crash, with early reports indicating that speed may have been a factor. Authorities have not ruled out other possibilities, such as distracted driving or mechanical failure, and are awaiting the results of a toxicology report. The stretch of Dupont Street where the accident occurred is a residential corridor with a 30 mph speed limit, but locals have long complained about reckless driving in the area. “People treat this street like a racetrack sometimes,” said resident James Carter, who lives two blocks from the crash site. “We’ve been asking for speed bumps or more patrols for years.” The tragedy has reignited calls for traffic calming measures, with community leaders urging city officials to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life.
This accident marks the latest in a troubling string of crashes in Flint, a city that has seen a rise in traffic-related injuries in recent years. According to data from the Michigan State Police, Genesee County reported over 2,500 crashes in 2024, with nearly 600 resulting in injuries or fatalities. Dupont Street, in particular, has been the site of multiple collisions, including a March 2024 incident that left one person hospitalized. City officials have pledged to review traffic patterns and safety protocols in the wake of Grath’s death, with Mayor Sheldon Neeley issuing a statement expressing condolences and committing to “explore every option to make our streets safer.”
As the investigation continues, the Flint community is left to mourn a vibrant soul taken too soon. Vigils are being planned to honor Grath’s memory, and a GoFundMe page has been established to support her daughter’s future. For those who knew her, the pain of her absence is matched only by the resolve to carry forward her legacy of kindness and unity. “Chant always said we’re stronger together,” Thompson reflected. “That’s how we’ll get through this—together.” For now, the 6500 block of Dupont Street stands as a somber reminder of a life lost and a community forever changed.