A heartbreaking car accident in Georgia has left a husband grieving the unimaginable loss of his whole family — his wife and four young kids — as friends and family in two states mourn this tragic news.
Car accidents are always scary, and when they result in loss of life, it becomes even more sorrowful. However, the story of the Dougan family is truly hard to understand.
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, around 6 a.m., 27-year-old Reagan Dougan was driving her children — a 9-year-old boy, a 4-year-old boy, a 2-year-old girl, and a 3-month-old baby — on I-95 South in McIntosh County, Georgia.
Like any family on a road trip, there were likely moments of excitement and noise, but also a strong feeling of togetherness. Then, out of nowhere, a terrible event occurred. Reagan’s rented SUV crashed into another car. Her Jeep Cherokee caught fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of Reagan and all four of her children at the scene.
The Dougan family was on their way to meet her husband, Christian, in Florida.
Authorities report that Reagan had rented the SUV for a trip from Raleigh, North Carolina.
Georgia State Trooper Christopher Ashdown informed the Associated Press that the SUV collided with the back of a white Infiniti sedan while going at a high speed. A witness mentioned that the vehicle hit the center guardrail before bursting into flames.
The driver of the Infiniti survived and was taken to the hospital. The accident caused the highway to be closed for four hours while officials conducted their investigation. The reason for the crash is still being looked into.
“A very loving and kind person”
The news of the family’s deaths has deeply affected both the Raleigh neighborhood where they had just moved and the Florida community they were traveling to.
Christopher “Jonesy” Butler-Jones, a family friend, expressed his sorrow to WTVD, saying, “I’m still in shock. [Her husband] lost his entire family. It’s just heart-wrenching.”
Jonesy described Reagan as a devoted mother whose greatest dream was to raise a happy, thriving family. ”That was one of her dreams, is to always have an amazing family and be a mother. She was very dedicated. Her kids were everything to her.”
He remembered her not only as a loving mom but also as the kind of friend who could light up your darkest days. ”If you’re upset, you can call her and she’s going to make you happy,” he said. ”She’s going to show you the brighter side of it.”
A community in mourning
In Raleigh, neighbors are struggling with the unexpected loss of a family they were just starting to get to know. Jason Flores, a neighbor, shared with WRAL:
“We always waved at each other. She always had a smile. The kids were always cheerful, and their cooking smelled amazing.”
Even though the family hadn’t been there for long, they left a strong mark on the community. Kids could often be seen playing outside, climbing trees, and having fun in their front yard.
Christian’s stepmother, Sarah Stoltman, started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for funeral costs and to transport the family’s remains back to Florida.
The campaign is trying to raise $120,000 and had already collected over $88,000 at the time of this report.
“While Christian is working with his and Reagan’s family to start grieving for these five wonderful people, we can’t even imagine the financial strain of moving his family from Georgia to their final resting place in Florida,” Stoltman wrote.
The fundraiser will help ensure a “dignified farewell” for Reagan and her children.
💘🫶🏼I promise carter was laughing before and after this 🤣Posted by Reagan Dougan on Sunday, August 11, 2024
Many people on social media have been sharing their heartfelt tributes, both from friends and strangers.
Photographer Katrina Cusatis, who took maternity pictures for the Dougan family last fall, expressed her sorrow on Facebook: “My heart is shattered over this unimaginable loss. Their love, happiness, and bond were truly unforgettable.”
She encouraged everyone to pray for Christian and to help the family in any way possible. “If you feel inspired, there is a GoFundMe set up to support them during this difficult time.”
Reagan’s friend, Cecily Corinne Borquez, shared a childhood picture of them together, saying: “You were such an incredible friend, the life of the party, so much fun to be around, and truly one in a million. I can’t comprehend how something so tragic could happen to someone so amazing. You will always be remembered.”
A Legacy of Love
The passing of the Dougan family has had a lasting impact on all who were close to them. Friends remember Reagan as a bright spirit — a woman who loved fiercely, embraced life with joy, and cared for her children wholeheartedly.
As her friend Jonesy put it, “Being around her felt very warm and comforting. It helped me realize that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel.”
I’m sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy!
I hope the light — the love that Reagan and her kids shared with the world — keeps shining in the hearts of all who knew and cared for them.