Hit-and-run driver may have caused crash that killed mother of 4

Two families have been destroyed by a fatal crash in Macomb County that claimed a mother of four children, who was engaged to be married.

Shawn Barone and Sue Kozak were planning to blend their families.  Living just a block away from each other in Clinton Township, their shared seven children would all move in together after the couple's upcoming marriage in Las Vegas in April.

Tragically, the 46-year-old mother was killed instantly just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.  Kozak was in the center turn lane on southbound Groesbeck north of 15 Mile Road making a left turn to go to V.I.P. Tanning when she may have been hit.

Family says police have a witness, who is providing information indicating a hit-and-run driver booted the rear of Kozak's white Ford F-150 pickup.

Kozak was killed when her truck was launched into oncoming traffic, crashing head-on into another Ford pickup, a Ford Escape and a third car.  One driver left the scene critically injured, and two other drivers were treated and released.

The family says Kozak's autopsy revealed blunt force trauma from the crash as cause of death.

According to Kozak's finance, she did not drink and he had her cell phone with him, so she was not distracted by texting.  He says police are focusing on a possible hit-and-run.

"We need to know.  I need this person or persons to come forward," said Barone.  "She has four children of her own.  I have three.  Together we had seven, and we were going to get married April 13."

Kozak's youngest child is seven.  The oldest, 19-year-old Shelia, says she is prepared to care for everyone.

Donations for funeral expenses can be made to the Sue Kozak Memorial Fund at any Flagstar Bank branch location.

Kozak's funeral is Monday at Kaul Funeral Home on Garfield in Clinton Township.  Visitation is at 1:00 p.m., and the funeral is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.