NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — A family is shattered after a tragic crash on Thanksgiving night claimed the life of 19-year-old Jaylah Donald, of Atlanta. Jaylah, who was seven months pregnant with a baby boy, is being remembered as a joyful, loving young woman whose smile could brighten even the hardest days.
Jaylah’s grandmother, Genette Anderson, said the family had spent a warm, memorable Thanksgiving together just hours before the tragedy. As the night wrapped up, Jaylah’s mother offered a neighbor a short ride home on Fairview Road in Covington.
While Jaylah’s mother was backing out of the driveway, another driver struck their vehicle on the passenger side—where Jaylah sat. Georgia State Patrol confirmed that Jaylah died at the scene, along with her unborn son.
Jaylah’s mother was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital and remains on a ventilator. The family says they are uncertain whether she will survive.
“Just keep our family in your prayers,” Anderson said, describing the overwhelming sadness that has left them numb.
Loved ones say Jaylah’s presence was unforgettable. Her godmother, Nekeshia Johnson, shared how she could brighten a room with nothing more than her smile.
“Very caring, loving, always smiling. Her smile would make you smile,” Johnson said.
Her family recalled how Jaylah carried that same joyful spirit from childhood.
“We’re definitely going to miss that smile,” a relative added. “She smiled so much when she was little. She even won best smile in her day care. That girl smiled all the time.”
As they wait for updates on Jaylah’s mother, the family is relying on prayer and the support of their community to get through the days ahead.
“We’re going to miss Jaylah,” they said.
The Georgia State Patrol continues to investigate the crash. The identity of the other driver has not been released, and authorities expect charges once the investigation is complete.
