x
Breaking News
More () »

Man accused of hitting, killing Hastings tow truck driver pleads 'no-contest'

Some friends and family of Keagan Spencer are disappointed by the no-contest plea to the charge of moving violation causing death.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After months of court hearings, Payton Ferris plead 'no-contest' to misdemeanor charges after a crash that hit and killed a tow truck driver. 

Ferris was allegedly driving the car that hit and killed Keagan Spencer near Caledonia in November of 2023.

"Keagan would have never lived with himself," said Miko Garrison, Keagan's mother. "Keegan would have been a man and owned up to it."

For Garrison, the no-contest plea to moving violation causing death by Ferris isn't enough.

Both Miko and Keagan's father, Matt Spencer, have been vocal about their desire for the man who allegedly hit and killed their son last November to face harsher penalties.

"The public should be outraged," said Matt. "Absolutely outraged at this. If you are broken down on the side of the road and you're out changing your tire and a car comes by and kills you, that's only a moving violation causing death, and that, just like this case is looking like it's only going to be a small fine."

Keagan, who was from Hastings, was stopped on the side of the road last November with his tow truck lights on and his daughter in the passenger seat of his truck when he was struck, according to family.

Ever since the crash, Matt has been publicly advocating for the slow down and move over movement for emergency personnel stopped on the side of highways and roads.

"I am going all over the country spreading Keegan's story to get the word out that this just isn't a Michigan problem," said Matt. "Roadside workers are getting struck and killed all over our nation."

Ferris could face a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. However, his attorney said the plea agreement is in hopes of no jail time.

"Unless something changes between the facts known at sentencing the court has indicated that there wouldn't be any jail upfront for this young man," said Ferris' attorney.

Ferris is expected to be back in court for sentencing on Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Before You Leave, Check This Out