Parents Seek Justice for Son’s Tragic Death
The Kleinke family is grieving the loss of their beloved son, 17-year-old Michael Kleinke Jr., who tragically lost his life in a fatal crash on May 11, 2023. The family has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Colonie and Thomas McGrath, the man charged in their son’s death. They allege that local authorities failed to properly investigate McGrath’s condition just 38 minutes before the collision, which they believe contributed to their son’s untimely death.
According to the lawsuit, Colonie Police stopped McGrath before the crash but did not test him for drugs despite signs of impairment. The Kleinke family claims that McGrath, who they suspect was under the influence of drugs, was not adequately evaluated by authorities after earlier incidents, potentially preventing the tragedy that unfolded on that fateful day.
In a heart-wrenching interview with News10, Michael’s mother, Jessica Kleinke, shared the devastating details of her son’s final moments. She recounted how Michael received eight liters of blood at the scene of the crash but tragically succumbed to his injuries due to lack of blood flow to his brain. The family was able to spend 36 hours with Michael before he was declared brain dead, a period that was undoubtedly filled with unimaginable pain and sorrow.
Family Seeks Accountability and Closure
Michael Kleinke Sr., the teen’s father, expressed frustration over the handling of the situation by law enforcement. He highlighted the series of events that led to his son’s death, pointing out the missed opportunities to prevent the tragedy. Within a two-day period, McGrath was involved in multiple incidents that raised concerns, yet authorities failed to take decisive action to protect the public and prevent further harm.
The family’s attorney criticized the police’s failure to conduct a basic field sobriety test on McGrath during prior stops, emphasizing the importance of thorough and comprehensive investigations in cases involving impaired driving. The Kleinke family firmly believes that had McGrath been properly evaluated and tested for drugs during earlier encounters, their son might still be alive today.
As they navigate the legal process and seek justice for Michael’s death, the Kleinke family is also advocating for the passage of the Grieving Families Act. This proposed legislation aims to provide families with the opportunity to seek compensation beyond lost wages in cases like theirs, acknowledging the emotional toll and lasting impact of losing a loved one under tragic circumstances.
Pushing for Change and Accountability
The Kleinke family’s fight for justice extends beyond seeking closure for their son’s untimely death. They are actively working to hold responsible parties accountable and advocate for changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. By pursuing legal action against the Town of Colonie, Progressive (McGrath’s insurance company), and pressing criminal charges against McGrath, the family is determined to ensure that their son’s memory is honored through meaningful action.
The Town of Colonie and the Colonie Police Department have yet to respond to requests for comment on the ongoing litigation, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the case. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Kleinke family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice and accountability, determined to see their son’s memory honored and his legacy preserved.
In conclusion, the tragic loss of Michael Kleinke Jr. has left a profound impact on his family and the community at large. Through their unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of justice, the Kleinke family is shining a light on the importance of accountability, thorough investigations, and advocacy for legislative changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. As they continue to navigate the legal process and push for meaningful reform, their commitment to honoring Michael’s memory serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of senseless tragedies and the urgent need for change.