Flynn's Story
A Life Full of Promise, Taken Too Soon
Flynn MacKrell
July 11, 2005 - November 17, 2023
On November 17, 2023, our beloved son and brother, Flynn MacKrell, was killed by a reckless teenage driver. Flynn was 18 years old—full of promise, joy, optimism, and a bright future that was taken from him in an instant. His loss shattered our family and forever changed our lives.
Flynn was the kind of young man people naturally gravitated toward. He brought joy to others simply by being himself—through his kindness, humor, warmth, and genuine care for those around him. Deeply optimistic, Flynn believed in people and in the goodness of life. He was a devoted friend, a loving brother, a gifted athlete, and a gentle soul whose presence made the world feel lighter. His positivity, compassion, and joy continue to guide us every day.
The crash that killed Flynn was predictable and preventable. It exposed devastating gaps in teen driving accountability, parental responsibility, and the systems meant to protect our children. No family should ever endure the pain we now carry.
The Preventable Tragedy
What Happened
- Over 100 mph in a 25 mph residential zone
- 16-year-old driver with passenger
- Reckless driving in a neighborhood
- Loss of control due to excessive speed
The Impact
Flynn's death devastated his family, friends, and entire community. A young life with endless potential was lost in an instant due to a completely preventable act of reckless driving. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger accountability and consequences for dangerous driving behaviors.
Remembering Flynn
Beloved Son & Brother
Known for his warmth and close family bonds
Loyal Friend
Cherished by all who knew him for his kindness
Bright Future
Full of promise with dreams ahead of him
"Flynn was known for his generosity, his bright smile, and the light he brought to everyone around him. His memory continues to inspire our mission to prevent other families from experiencing this heartbreak."
Why Flynn's Story Matters
Laws Must Change
Current juvenile justice laws fail to hold young drivers accountable for deadly reckless driving. The Flynn Mackrell Law would ensure appropriate consequences for such devastating choices.
Parents Must Be Held Accountable
Parents who enable reckless driving behavior or fail to properly supervise teen drivers must face consequences for their role in these tragedies.
Communities Must Act
Every community has a responsibility to educate young drivers, advocate for safer roads, and support legislative changes that protect innocent lives.
Parental Responsibility in Flynn's Death
Our family believes that Elizabeth Puleo Tague bears responsibility for the tragic death of Flynn MacKrell. For months before November 17, 2023, Ms. Tague was aware of her son Kiernan Tague's reckless and criminal driving habits. Through the Life360 GPS app, she could see that Kiernan routinely drove at dangerous speeds—often exceeding 100 mph.
Rather than intervening, restricting his access to a vehicle, or taking away the keys, Ms. Tague chose to purchase a faster car—a BMW X3—that Kiernan ultimately used to drive 105 mph in a 25 mph residential neighborhood, killing Flynn.
By knowingly allowing her son to continue this behavior, and by enabling him with an even more powerful vehicle, Ms. Tague demonstrated willful disregard for the safety of others. In our view, this constitutes not just negligence, but direct contribution to Flynn's death.
Why Parental Accountability Matters
Without holding parents accountable when they knowingly enable their teen's reckless and unlawful driving, these preventable killings will not stop. Teens look to their parents for boundaries and consequences. When parents ignore dangerous behaviors—or worse, empower them with more powerful vehicles—they not only fail in their duty of care but also put the lives of others at risk.
Flynn's death is not an isolated tragedy. It is part of a larger pattern that will continue unless both reckless teens and the parents who enable them face meaningful legal consequences.
The Pattern of Enabling
Honor Flynn's Memory
Help us ensure that Flynn's tragic death leads to meaningful change that prevents other families from experiencing this devastating loss.