Gavin Christopher Scott: An 18-year-old man has been formally charged in connection with a deadly crash last month that claimed the life of Calhoun Community High School senior Daelnn Roark and left another person seriously injured.
Authorities identified the driver as Gavin Christopher Scott, who now faces multiple felony charges. On Thursday, prosecutors announced that Scott has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) causing death, Reckless Driving causing death, OWI causing serious injury, and Reckless Driving causing serious impairment of a body part. These charges stem from the July 14 incident at Irving Park in Battle Creek.
According to the Battle Creek Police Department, the crash occurred after Scott allegedly engaged in reckless driving behavior. Investigators say he was performing “donuts” — tight, circular driving maneuvers that cause vehicles to spin in place — in the park’s parking lot. While doing so, Scott reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing both passengers to be ejected from the car.
One of the passengers, identified as 17-year-old Daelnn Roark, suffered fatal injuries. Roark, who was a student at Calhoun Community High School, was pronounced dead following the crash. The other passenger, a female, sustained serious injuries and required immediate medical treatment. Police have not released her name but confirmed she survived and continues to recover.
Authorities allege that alcohol played a role in the crash, with the OWI charges indicating suspicion of impairment at the time of the incident. The combination of reckless driving and suspected intoxication significantly increased the severity of the case, leading prosecutors to file multiple counts against Scott.
The legal process is now underway. Scott is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause hearing on August 26. This proceeding will allow the court to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move forward with the charges. If the case proceeds, a preliminary examination is set for September 2, during which the prosecution will present further evidence and witness testimony.
The tragedy has deeply impacted the local community, particularly those connected to Calhoun Community High School. Roark’s death was described as a devastating loss to his family, friends, and classmates, many of whom have expressed grief and shock over the sudden and preventable nature of the incident.
Police have used the case as a reminder of the dangers of combining reckless driving with possible impairment, especially for young drivers. High-risk maneuvers like “donuts” not only endanger those inside the vehicle but also pose serious risks to bystanders and other motorists. Authorities stress that such actions, especially under the influence, can have life-altering — and in this case, fatal — consequences.
As the case moves forward, both the legal outcome and the ongoing investigation will continue to be closely followed. The charges against Scott carry the potential for significant prison time if he is convicted. For the families affected, however, the legal proceedings represent only one step in the long process of seeking justice and healing from this tragic loss.
