A heartbreaking crash in Newton County early Friday claimed the life of a 19-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn child. The collision happened around 12:34 a.m. on Fairview Road near Crestfield Circle, according to the Georgia State Patrol. Authorities said the crash occurred when a Hyundai Sonata backed out of a private driveway and into the path of an oncoming BMW, leading to a violent impact in the dark hours of the morning.
The Hyundai was being driven by Takila Donald, who investigators say did not yield while reversing onto the roadway. At the same time, a westbound BMW driven by Brandon Robinson struck the passenger side of the Hyundai. Inside the car was 19-year-old Jaylah Donald, who suffered fatal injuries in the crash. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her unborn child, a baby boy who family members said was about seven months along, also did not survive.
Emergency crews responded quickly, but the force of the collision left devastating results. Takila Donald suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for urgent medical care. Robinson was taken to a local hospital after complaining of injuries. Georgia State Patrol investigators later determined that Robinson had been driving under the influence at the time of the crash.
The Georgia State Patrol reported that charges are pending against both drivers as the investigation continues. Officials noted that the crash happened just one day after Thanksgiving, during a holiday weekend when troopers responded to multiple serious incidents across the state. In total, the agency recorded three crash-related deaths, more than 115 injuries, and hundreds of citations for DUI, distracted driving, and seatbelt violations.
Loved ones of Jaylah Donald are struggling to cope with the sudden loss of a young woman described as joyful, caring, and full of hope for the future. Her family shared on a GoFundMe page that Jaylah was excited about becoming a mother and had already been preparing for the arrival of her baby boy. “She had so much life ahead of her and so much love to give,” they wrote. “Our hearts will forever ache for the future that was stolen from them.”
As investigators work to finalize the case, the community continues to grieve the loss of two lives cut short. Authorities are reminding drivers to stay alert, avoid risky decisions on the roadway, and never drive under the influence, especially during busy holiday travel periods when roads are even more dangerous.
