Michigan coach ‘was texting and driving’ during crash

A Michigan State University athletics coach was texting while driving when he slammed into the rear of another car, killing a woman and her five-year-old daughter, authorities alleged on Monday.

Todd Moyer, 37, faces up to 15 years in prison for the fatal crash which took place around 2.30pm on July 14.

Moyer was driving southbound on US 23 in Summerfield Township, Michigan when the chain-reaction crash took place.

Police say Moyer drove his car into the rear of a Hyundai Elantra.

Both the driver of the Hyundai, 35-year-old Gladys Johnson, and her five-year-old daughter, Za-Kira Johnson, died at the scene.

Za-Kira Johnson was sitting in the back seat.

Moyer was charged Monday with one count of reckless driving causing death.

News of the indictment was reported by the Lansing State Journal.

Police say Moyer drove his car into the rear of a Hyundai Elantra. Both the driver of the Hyundai, 35-year-old Gladys Johnson, and her daughter, Za-Kira Johnson, died at the scene

Moyer had his driver license suspended as part of the terms of his bail.

He was permitted to travel out of state because of his work for the MSU men’s basketball team.

Moyer did not travel with the team on Tuesday to Chicago, where the Spartans are scheduled to play against Duke at the United Center.

Moyer is an associate strength and conditioning coach for the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball team

‘In light of the criminal charges filed today, Todd Moyer, an associate strength and conditioning coach, is not traveling with the men’s basketball team to Chicago,’ MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis said in a statement.

‘As the court proceedings continue in this tragic situation, the Athletics Department will monitor the case and gather more information before any further personnel decisions are made.’

Gladys Johnson’s sister-in-law, Dushawna Dickinson, was in shock over the loss.

‘[Gladys Johnson] was a wonderful mother – always thinking of others before herself,’ Dickinson told ClickOnDetroit.com.

‘She was just a sweet person.’

‘Her smile would light up a room,’ Dickinson said.

‘She was just beautiful.’

Tom Izzo, the head coach of the Spartans’ men’s basketball team, released a statement after the crash.

Gladys Johnson’s sister-in-law, Dushawna Dickinson, was in shock over the loss. ‘[Gladys Johnson] was a wonderful mother – always thinking of others before herself,’ Dickinson said

‘We are aware of the July 14 fatal accident in Monroe County involving Todd Moyer, associate strength and conditioning coach,’ the coach said.

‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ family during this difficult time.

‘I can’t imagine the pain they are feeling in losing two family members so tragically and so suddenly.’