FLINT, Mich. — A devastating collision in the early hours of July 4, 2025, on Flint’s north side has left a community in mourning, one young life lost, and another facing serious legal consequences. The Flint Police Department reports that 17-year-old Brandon Monreal has been charged with second-degree murder following a crash that claimed the life of his 18-year-old passenger, Kayleb Henry, and injured others.
The incident occurred around 1:25 a.m. on Dort Highway, just south of Carpenter Road, a busy corridor in Flint. According to authorities, Monreal was driving a 2007 Pontiac Torrent northbound with Henry in the passenger seat. Investigators allege that Monreal was speeding and intoxicated at the time of the crash, which occurred when his vehicle collided with a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The truck was traveling southbound and attempting to turn into a business along the roadway.
The impact was catastrophic. Emergency responders rushed Monreal and Henry to Hurley Medical Center, where both were initially listed in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Kayleb Henry succumbed to his injuries. Described by loved ones as a vibrant and promising young man, Henry’s death has left a profound void in the Flint community. Monreal, though seriously injured, has since recovered and now faces the legal repercussions of the crash. Two adults in the pickup truck were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, their recovery marked by both physical and emotional challenges.
**A Community Grapples with Grief and Outrage**
The news of the crash and Monreal’s charges has sent shockwaves through Flint, eliciting a mix of sorrow, anger, and calls for change. Friends and family of Kayleb Henry have taken to social media to share memories of a kind and lively young man whose life was cut tragically short. Tributes paint a picture of a loyal friend and beloved son, whose loss has left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
For Monreal, the crash has transformed his life from that of a typical teenager to one facing severe legal consequences. The Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office has charged him with second-degree murder, citing the alleged recklessness of driving under the influence at high speeds in a residential area with a passenger’s life in his care. The charge underscores the gravity of the incident and the loss it caused.
**Legal Challenges and Ethical Questions**
At 17, Monreal’s age complicates the legal proceedings. While he is a minor, the severity of the second-degree murder charge could lead prosecutors to pursue adult sentencing. A conviction could result in decades in prison, a prospect that weighs heavily on both the community and the legal system. Monreal’s defense team is likely to emphasize his youth and potential for rehabilitation, while the Henry family’s grief and the community’s demand for accountability will shape the case’s emotional context.
**A Call for Prevention**
The tragedy has reignited discussions about underage drinking and impaired driving in Flint, a city that has long faced challenges with traffic-related incidents. Community leaders and advocates are urging stronger measures to prevent such tragedies, from education campaigns to stricter enforcement. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of what’s at stake,” said a local advocate. “We need to do more to protect our youth and prevent these preventable losses.”
**Honoring Kayleb Henry**
As the legal process unfolds, the Flint community is focused on remembering Kayleb Henry. Plans for memorials and vigils are underway to honor a young man described as a light in the lives of those around him. “Kayleb was kind, funny, and always there for others,” a family member shared. “We’re broken, and we hope his story can save others from this pain.”
The crash on Dort Highway is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of impaired driving. It leaves behind a grieving community, a family mourning an irreplaceable loss, and a call to action to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.
