Newton County, Georgia – A holiday gathering ended in devastation when a pregnant 19-year-old was killed in a DUI collision after her mother backed out of a private driveway and was struck by an alleged drunk driver. Officials described the crash as a “horrific” scene that left both the teen and her unborn child dead.
Fatal collision unfolded moments after family gathering
According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Jaylah Donald, 19, was riding in the passenger seat of a Hyundai Sonata when the crash occurred on Fairview Road. Her mother, Takila Donald, was behind the wheel as they were leaving a Thanksgiving celebration to drop off a neighbor.
Investigators say Takila backed out of a private driveway “improperly” and entered the roadway without yielding. A BMW traveling west on Fairview Road, driven by Brandon Robinson, struck the passenger side of their vehicle.
Jaylah died at the scene. Officials later confirmed she was pregnant, and the unborn baby also did not survive.
A family GoFundMe described Jaylah as a “loving soon-to-be-mother” whose life was just beginning. The page says she “was full of life, hope, dreams, and excitement about welcoming her first child.”
Mother critically injured; DUI charges already filed
Takila Donald was airlifted to a nearby hospital with severe injuries and remains on a ventilator, according to relatives. Family members say they do not yet know if she will recover.
Robinson was hospitalized with multiple injuries. Authorities say DUI charges have been filed against him, and charges are pending for both drivers as the investigation continues.
Officials describe how the crash happened
In a press release shared with local outlets, the Georgia Department of Public Safety stated:
“Takila Donald was backing improperly from a private drive into Fairview Road and failed to yield while entering the roadway. The BMW struck the Hyundai on its passenger side.”
The agency added that Jaylah was pronounced deceased at the scene, and her unborn child was also confirmed deceased after the collision.
Grandmother recalls arriving at the scene
Jaylah’s grandmother, Genette Anderson, told local reporters she drove to the crash site after a neighbor notified her that ambulances were outside. When she arrived, she found her granddaughter already gone.
“When I first got up there, I couldn’t breathe,” she said.
She added that she was trying to remain strong for the family:
“I got to be the strong person and accept it because I can’t question God.”
Father learned of pregnancy hours before tragedy
Jaylah’s father, Jonathan Ponds, said the loss was unimaginable. He had just learned that he was going to be a grandfather.
“It was crazy to find out that I was going to be a grandfather and then a couple hours later I lose my daughter and my grandson,” he said. “I was actually very ready to embrace the role.”
Community grieving a double loss
The young mother-to-be was remembered by family as vibrant and excited for her future. Loved ones say the loss of both Jaylah and her unborn baby has shattered their household during what was meant to be a holiday week of celebration.
A GoFundMe created by relatives says:
“To lose them both so suddenly is a heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure.”
Roadway safety concerns and investigation updates
Fairview Road has seen serious collisions in the past, and residents have voiced concerns about visibility along private driveways. Authorities have not commented on whether road conditions contributed to the crash.
Officials say the case remains under review, and additional charges could be filed as evidence is evaluated.
Share your thoughts
If you live in the area or have experienced DUI-related crashes in your community, share your perspective in the comments below.
