MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – Nearly three months after a 28-year-old Oakland County father was killed by a speeding driver fleeing police, family and friends gathered on the golf course this weekend to honor his memory — and raise money for his young children.
“This is Alex’s son, Santi,” said Dale Durant, fighting tears, holding his six-month-old grandson, Santiago, who turned six months old just two days earlier.
Durant’s son-in-law, Alex Habib, of Madison Heights, was killed July 12 while driving for Uber in the early morning hours.
Police said 16-year-old Daniel Canales, driving a stolen car and fleeing Roseville police, hit speeds of 130 miles per hour with a 12-year-old in the car when he ran a red light in Warren and slammed into Habib’s vehicle.
Canales is due back in court on November 3, 2025.
“It’s just trying. Especially being a father. No one can replace that,” Durant said.
Habib left behind his wife, their one-year-old daughter, their infant son, along with the rest of their family and friends.
“It takes a village. It takes more than a village. There’s no doubt. You’ve got two kids under two years – this inconceivable tragedy – and this guy. He’s never gonna know his dad. Never,” Durant said, looking down at Santiago.
Family and friends said Habib’s sense of humor and warmth filled every room — and they wanted the golf outing to reflect that.
The day of golf and laughter served as a fundraiser for Habib’s childrens’ futures — the kind of day those who knew him said he would have loved.
The outing drew participants and donors from across Michigan and other states, including the Detroit Lions and Pistons, and other organizations that wanted to support Habib’s family.
Habib’s family also plans to make the golf outing an annual event in Habib’s honor.
“We have a cause and it’s justice for Alex,” Durant said. “It’s just the beginning.”
For those who couldn’t attend but would still like to donate to Alex’s family, click here
Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
