Grandma shares memories, grief after toddler killed in Cedar Springs accident

Estella Marie Johnson, 3, died after being hit by her mom's fiancé's truck in a mobile home park

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:04am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's toy car tire, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the grim aftermath of a tragic accident involving a young child.The tragic accident that claimed the life of 3-year-old Estella Marie Johnson exposes the grave dangers posed by reckless driving and the need for greater safety measures to protect vulnerable children.Cedar Springs Today

The grandmother of a 3-year-old Cedar Springs girl who was tragically killed in a vehicle accident is sharing memories of her vibrant, joyful granddaughter and the immense grief her death has caused the family. Estella Marie Johnson died on Friday after police say her mom's now-former fiancé, Daniel Richard Bryant, ran her over with his pickup truck in their mobile home park. Bryant has been charged with reckless driving causing death and second-degree child abuse.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking incident has shaken the Cedar Springs community and raised questions about supervision, safety, and accountability when it comes to young children in residential areas. The case also highlights the lasting trauma and pain that can result from a preventable tragedy like this.

The details

According to investigators, Bryant told them he is an alcoholic who drinks a half-gallon of alcohol per day. He said it wasn't until Estella's 8-year-old brother yelled 'stop' that Bryant realized Estella was under his truck. Estella's grandmother, Jackie Anthony, said she blames Bryant for the toddler's death and not Estella's mother, who was at work when the accident occurred. Anthony said Estella's biological father does not blame the mother either, as he trusted her to keep their children safe when they divorced.

  • The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2026 in the Northland Estates mobile home park in Cedar Springs.
  • Estella will be laid to rest on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Estella Marie Johnson

A 3-year-old girl who was tragically killed in a vehicle accident in Cedar Springs, Michigan.

Jackie Anthony

The grandmother of Estella Marie Johnson who is sharing memories of her vibrant, joyful granddaughter and the immense grief her death has caused the family.

Daniel Richard Bryant

The 33-year-old man who was the fiancé of Estella's mother and has been charged with reckless driving causing death and second-degree child abuse in relation to the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We lost this precious girl. Full of life. She would light up anybody's world. She was always smiling, always wanting to play, always wanting to dance. You could just look in her eyes, and you would fall in love with her. I just knew that, when she grew up, she would be everybody's light.”

— Jackie Anthony, Estella's grandmother

“You weren't really paying attention. Why weren't you really watching as to where she was? She wants to race? She likes to run? Use your feet. Don't use a vehicle. Use your feet.”

— Jackie Anthony, Estella's grandmother

What’s next

If convicted on the reckless driving causing death and child abuse charges, Daniel Richard Bryant could spend up to 15 years in prison.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has devastated the Cedar Springs community and underscores the importance of proper supervision and safety measures when young children are present in residential areas. It also highlights the lasting trauma that can result from preventable accidents like this one.