Georgia Pregnant Teen and Unborn Baby Killed After Mother Reverses Improperly and Is Hit by Alleged Drunk BMW Driver, Officials Say

NEWTON COUNTY, GEORGIA — A 19-year-old pregnant woman was killed instantly when an alleged drunk driver slammed into her mother’s Hyundai as it reversed “improperly” out of a driveway on Thanksgiving weekend, leaving a Georgia family shattered just hours after celebrating the holiday together. Officials say Jaylah Donald and her unborn baby did not survive the violent impact.

Officials: Mother Backed Out Improperly Before SUV Was Hit

According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Jaylah’s mother, Takila Donald, was backing out of a private driveway along Fairview Road when she failed to yield to oncoming traffic. At that moment, a BMW driven by Brandon Robinson collided with the passenger side of the Hyundai — the side where Jaylah was sitting.

Authorities confirmed Jaylah died at the scene. Only afterward did first responders discover she was pregnant.

“The unborn child was also deceased,” the report stated.

Robinson, who investigators say was intoxicated at the time, was hospitalized with multiple injuries and has already been charged with DUI.

Family: ‘She Was Full of Life, Hope, and Dreams’

Jaylah’s relatives described her as a loving daughter excited about motherhood. In a GoFundMe created to support the family, she was remembered as a vibrant young woman “just beginning her journey into adulthood.”

“Jaylah was full of life, hope, dreams, and excitement about welcoming her first child,” the family wrote. “To lose them both so suddenly is a heartbreak no family should ever have to endure.”

Her father, Jonathan Ponds, said he had learned about her pregnancy only hours before the crash.

“It was crazy to find out I was going to be a grandfather and then a couple hours later I lose my daughter and my grandson,” he told WANF. “I was very ready to embrace the role.”

Mother Airlifted With Life-Threatening Injuries

Jaylah’s mother, Takila, was airlifted to a trauma center with severe injuries. Family members say she remains on a ventilator and may not survive.

“Charges are pending for the drivers of both vehicles,” the Georgia DPS said, although only Robinson’s DUI charge has been formally filed so far.

Family members say Jaylah and her mother were returning home after dropping off a neighbor who had joined them for Thanksgiving. Jaylah’s grandmother, Genette Anderson, said she arrived at the scene moments after learning something was wrong.

“When I first got up there, I couldn’t breathe,” she told WANF. She said the neighbor noticed the commotion outside and called her immediately.

“I have to be the strong person and accept it,” Anderson said. “I can’t question God. At the end of the day, we’re all going to have our number.”

Both Families Awaiting More Charges

Authorities have not announced whether Takila Donald will face charges related to the improper backing. Investigators say additional charges against both drivers remain under review.

Jaylah’s devastating death — along with the loss of her unborn child — has left the Newton County community shaken as the family waits for medical updates on her mother and legal decisions on the case.

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