Nationwide — Jaylah Donald, a 19-year-old African American pregnant woman from Newton County, Georgia, died in a late-night crash that also left her mother in critical condition. Troopers said an impaired driver slammed into their car as they were heading home after Thanksgiving.
According to 11Alive, Jaylah had been sitting in the passenger seat while her mother backed out of a driveway on Fairview Road in Covington. Another vehicle hit them on the passenger side, killing Jaylah at the scene. She was seven months pregnant with a baby boy.
Her mother was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta and remains on a ventilator. Family members said they are waiting for updates and are still unsure if she could survive. The loss has been especially painful as they grieve both Jaylah and her unborn son.
Relatives described Jaylah as a joyful young woman known for her constant smile. Her godmother and other loved ones said she had a natural way of brightening any room and had been known for her cheerful spirit since childhood.
The family has asked for prayers as they wait for news on Jaylah’s mother. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral costs and other expenses.
The Georgia State Patrol is still investigating the crash, and charges are expected once the case is complete.