Family Grieves Loss of Michigan Pastor Killed by Undocumented Immigrant

A Michigan family is grieving the loss of Stephen Singleton, a beloved 72-year-old pastor, father, and grandfather, who was struck and killed earlier this month by a vehicle driven by an illegal immigrant.

Singleton, known for his dedication to his faith and community, was on one of his routine morning walks in Rochester Hills, Michigan, on November 3 when he was fatally hit while crossing a street. Authorities confirmed he was wearing a reflective vest and using a marked crosswalk at the time of the incident.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the driver, an illegal immigrant from Colombia, ran a red light before striking Singleton. Witnesses reported the driver appeared unaware of the traffic signal, though investigators ruled out speed or alcohol as contributing factors.

Under Michigan law, non-citizens can drive in the state using a foreign driver’s license if it is either printed in English or accompanied by an English translation. The driver in this case was released from custody after the crash, leaving Singleton’s family distraught and seeking answers.

“I had to sit and watch my husband of 53 years die in front of me,” said Singleton’s wife, Teri. “To know that the person who did this is walking around is very difficult to deal with.”

Singleton’s death marks the end of a lifetime of service and compassion. A retired medic, he volunteered at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, selflessly working to find survivors amidst the wreckage.

“He was a loving person who cared about everybody,” Teri shared. “The whole neighborhood, everybody in our community has come to my door. They didn’t even see the name on the report, but they knew him because of his habits.”

His daughter Ruth described the loss as incomprehensible: “One day, I wake up and just know he’s gone for such a simple and senseless thing. I just don’t understand.”

The suspect in the case reportedly crossed into the U.S. illegally and was released into the country pending a court date, Customs and Border Protection confirmed. The tragedy has reignited debates about policies allowing illegal immigrants to remain in the U.S. without immediate accountability, with critics pointing to Singleton’s death as an avoidable consequence of lax enforcement.

Singleton’s death leaves a hole in his community and raises tough questions about immigration enforcement and public safety. His family now mourns not only his loss but the injustice of seeing the driver remain free while they cope with the aftermath of their devastating loss.

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