A North Carolina mother and her four young children lost their lives in a tragic, fiery crash on I-95 in Georgia over the weekend, leaving family, friends, and a devastated community mourning their loss.
Reagan Dougan, 27, of Raleigh, North Carolina, was driving a rental SUV early Sunday morning when the vehicle crashed and erupted in flames. According to the Georgia State Patrol, Dougan was traveling southbound in McIntosh County at a high rate of speed when her SUV collided with another vehicle. A witness reported the impact, after which the SUV burst into flames.
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Dougan’s four children, all under the age of 10, were also in the vehicle and died in the crash. The youngest was just three months old. The passenger in the other vehicle was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries, authorities confirmed. The Dougan family had recently relocated to Raleigh from out of state and had just settled into a new home, told WRAL.
Neighbors described Reagan as a loving, devoted mother whose life revolved around her children. “That was one of her dreams, to always have an amazing family and be a mother,” said family friend Christopher Butler-Jones, who goes by “Jonesy.” Speaking from Florida, where Dougan was traveling to reunite with her husband, Jonesy reflected on the overwhelming grief the tragedy has left behind.
“I’m still in shock,” he said. “(Her husband) lost his entire family. It’s just heart-wrenching.” Dougan’s friends and loved ones described her as selfless and deeply compassionate. Jonesy recalled how she had been there for his own family when they were recovering from losing their home during Hurricane Milton last year.
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“When my kid came out of his room yesterday, he happened to have on the shirt, shorts, everything that was an outfit that she sent,” he said. “There was a very warm, comforting feeling. It kind of allowed me to be able to start seeing that there is going to be a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Those close to Reagan remember her not just as a mother, but as a friend who brought warmth and kindness to everyone she met. “If you’re upset, you can call her and she’s going to make you happy,” Jonesy added. “She’s going to show you the brighter side of it.” As the investigation into the crash continues, friends and family are focused on honoring the memory of a woman they describe as full of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to her children.
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