West Michigan Teenager Dies One Month After Being Ran Over by Kent County Deputy

 

Author: Aly Bates // Riley Doggett Image courtesy of the family

       In a horrific turn of events, the family of 17 year old Riley Doggett has announced his passing after spending over a month in critical condition at the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital after being hit by a Deputy of the Kent County Sheriff during a pursuit on April 8th, 2024. The incident that took Riley’s life unfolded when he was sitting as a passenger in a car when the Kent County Sheriff made an attempt to pull the vehicle over. The vehicle was allegedly stolen and linked to multiple crimes that took place in the area. As the situation escalated, Riley exited the vehicle and fled the scene. During his attempt to escape, a deputy chased and ran him over, landing him in the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital where his family was told he wasn’t expected to recover. 

    From the very beginning, Riley’s family has been very outspoken about the lack of transparency surrounding the circumstances of Riley being struck. Initially Riley’s Mom was informed by a detective that Riley was involved in a car accident, and was in the trauma unit at the children’s hospital. However the family later discovered the truth through a local news article. This revelation prompted Riley’s Mother to reach back out to the detective, where it was confirmed that Riley was “unintentionally struck” by a Kent County Deputy. The Deputy is currently on a paid administrative leave as the investigation into the incident continues.

Described as a funny, energetic class clown, Riley will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was remembered as a person who “always knew how to lighten the mood.” and someone who was protective over his loved ones.As said by his sister, Taylor, “Once he loved you nothing could happen to you if he could control it.” 

Tonight, the community will come together to stand by Riley’s family and honor his memory with a candlelight vigil at the location where the tragic incident that took Riley’s life occurred. The vigil is scheduled for 8:30 PM at 32nd and Lemyra street SE.

As the family continues to seek answers and accountability, they urge community members to stand with them in their fight for justice for Riley Doggett. In Taylor’s words, “don’t make us stand alone with Riley and Samuel because we did not love them alone, lots of people love them on social media, I need this in real life as well.”