NEW SHOREHAM, RI : Teen killed in DUI crash on Block Island, uncle charged on Tuesday, 23rd August, 2016

What was suppose to be a fun trip with friends to Block Island, turned tragic when Michael Skirvin, 17, was killed after being a passenger in a drunk driving accident. The driver, Brandon McCrave, 20, was Skirvin's uncle. He faced a judge Tuesday morning for numerous charges including driving under the influence, death resulting.

Nicole Harvey, McCrave’s sister and Skirvin’s mother, told ABC6 News that she was coping with mixed emotions on Tuesday after learning of the accident.

"I don't know what will happen to my brother, and my son is definitely never coming home," said Harvey. She described her son and brother as good kids, inseparable, and said that they worked on and off at Point Judith together on the fishing boats.

"My son died in the arms of his best friend. And people are damaged and scarred forever. Things will never be the same, I don't think, in our family."

Melissa Skirvin, Michael's sister explained that she was devastated at the loss, and also very concerned for another little family member. Skirvin leaves behind a two-year-old son.

"My family's a wreck. There's not even one feeling to pin-point," said Melissa Skirvin.

Police stated Tuesday that McCrave was drunk behind the wheel.

McCrave's father, Stephen. described Skirvin as a good kid who was a loving father and hard worker.

"Bad things happen to good people. Michael was a good kid, he had his GED, he was looking for a job he was trying to go above and beyond."

According to Police around 4:45 on Monday evening, McCrave was driving at a high rate of speed on Lakeside Drive when he lost control and flipped his jeep.

"We've had accidents in that location and others. People don't understand that the narrow roads and turns. There's a reason for the 25 mile per hour speed limit," New Shoreham Police Chief Vincent Carlone said.

According to records, this is McCrave's second OUI offense in five years. His last offense occurred on July 5th. However, Stephen does not believe his son is to blame for the incident.

"He didn't recall any of the incident at all when I spoke to him. I spoke to him at the scene when he was still at the scene. I'm sure someone is to blame for it but I don't believe it's my son," Stephen McCrave says.

Brandon McCrave was ordered held without bail, for driving with a suspended license.

Source :
Teen killed in DUI crash on Block Island, uncle charged