A gentleman in Georgia is grieving the unfathomable loss of his wife and four small children in a fatal car accident, while loved ones in two states also mourn the heartbreaking news.
Accidents involving cars are always terrifying, but they are made even more heartbreaking when people die. The Dougan family’s narrative, however, is simply incomprehensible.
At approximately 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Reagan Dougan, 27, was driving her three children—a 3-month-old infant, a 4-year-old boy, a 2-year-old girl, and a 9-year-old boy—down I-95 South in McIntosh County, Georgia.
Like any family travelling by car, there were likely to be some chaotic times and even some noise, but there was also a strong sense of unity. Then, out of nowhere, a horrible incident occurred. An SUV that Reagen had leased collided with another car. All four of Reagan’s children were killed at the spot when her Jeep Cherokee caught fire.
In Florida, the Dougan family had been travelling to meet her husband, Christian.
Reagan hired the SUV for the trip from Raleigh, North Carolina, according to the authorities.
The SUV was travelling at a fast pace when it collided into the back of a white Infiniti sedan, Georgia State Trooper Christopher Ashdown told the Associated Press. The car struck the centre guardrail before catching fire, according to a witness.
After surviving, the other car’s driver was taken to the hospital. Four hours were spent on the highway as investigators looked into the crash. The collision’s cause is still being looked into.
“A very kind and loving person”
Both the town in Florida where they were going and the neighbourhood in Raleigh where they had just relocated have been rocked by the news of the family’s deaths.
Christopher “Jonesy” Butler-Jones, a family friend, told WTVD, “I’m still in shock,” while crying. Her husband’s whole family was lost. It’s simply devastating.
According to Jonesy, Reagan was a loving mother who aspired to have a prosperous and contented family. One of her aspirations was to become a mother and have a wonderful family forever. She had a strong commitment. To her, her children were everything.
He recalled her as the kind of friend who could brighten your worst days in addition to being a devoted mother. He said, “You can call her if you’re upset, and she will make you happy.” She will show you the positive aspects of it.
A grieving community
Neighbours in Raleigh, where they had just recently begun to know the family, are struggling with the unexpected death. WRAL was informed by neighbour Jason Flores:
We always gave each other a wave. Her face was constantly smiling. The children were consistently joyous. When they cooked, their food always had a pleasant aroma.
Despite their brief stay, the family left a lasting impression. Kids were frequently spotted laughing in their front garden, climbing trees and playing outside.
In order to assist with funeral costs and the transportation of the family’s remains to Florida, Christian’s stepmother, Sarah Stoltman, started a GoFundMe page.
By the time this article was written, the campaign had raised almost $88,000 of its $120,000 target.
As Christian and Reagan’s family continue to grieve for these five lovely souls, Stoltman writes, “We cannot even imagine the financial burden it will be to move his family from Georgia to their final resting place in Florida.”
The money raised would go towards giving Reagan and her kids a “dignified farewell.”
Carter was giggling both before and after this, I can assure you.
Posted on Sunday, August 11, 2024 by Reagan Dougan
Friends and strangers alike have been posting tributes on social media.
Photographer Katrina Cusatis, who had taken the Dougan family’s maternity pictures last autumn, expressed her sorrow on Facebook: “This unfathomable tragedy has left my heart completely broken.” Their connection, happiness, and love were genuinely unforgettable.
People should pray for Christian and help the family in any way they can, she said. “If you feel inspired, you can help them through this GoFundMe campaign.”
In a childhood photo of the two of them, Reagan’s friend Cecily Corinne Borquez wrote: “You were such an amazing friend, the life of the party, an absolute blast to be around, and all around one in a million.” I’ll never understand how something so terrible could happen to someone so amazing. We shall never forget you.
A Legacy of Love
For everyone who knew the Dougan family, their loss has left an enduring impression. According to her friends, Reagan was a light—a lady who lived a happy life, loved profoundly, and gave her all as a mother.
The aura that surrounded her was one of warmth and comfort, as her buddy Jonesy put it. In a sense, it made it possible for me to begin seeing that there will be a bright future.
I’m praying for all those affected by this terrible catastrophe!
Those who knew and loved Reagan and her children may never lose sight of that brightness, the love they brought into the world.
