Reagan Dougan, only 27 years old, was engaged in a routine activity familiar to many mothers: loading her four children — aged 9, 4, 2, and just 3 months — into the car for a family road trip. Their destination was Florida, where her husband, Christian, awaited their arrival. What was intended to be a joyful journey turned into an unimaginable catastrophe.
At approximately 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Reagan’s rented Jeep Cherokee, traveling along I-95 South in McIntosh County, collided with another vehicle. In mere seconds, chaos ensued. The SUV impacted the rear of an Infiniti sedan before crashing into the center guardrail. Witnesses looked on in horror as the Jeep was engulfed in flames.
Inside were five lives — a mother and her four children — lost in an instant.
Emergency services responded swiftly. The driver of the other vehicle survived and was taken to the hospital. However, there was nothing that could be done for Reagan and her children. The highway remained closed for several hours as investigators worked to determine the cause of the accident. While a definitive explanation has yet to be established, one truth is painfully evident: a single moment erased an entire future. Reagan’s family had recently moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, establishing new roots, neighbors, and memories that were just beginning to take shape. Now, that same community is enveloped in deep sorrow.
“She always wore a smile,” recalled Jason Flores, a neighbor. “The children were always joyful, and their cooking filled the air with delightful aromas.” The image of their children playing in the yard has now become a haunting reminder of innocence lost.
For those who were closest to Reagan, the reality of her absence feels surreal.
“She was incredibly loving and kind,” shared Christopher “Jonesy” Butler-Jones, a close family friend. “Her dream was to be a mother and to nurture her family. Her children meant everything to her.”Sarah Stoltman, Christian’s stepmother, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the substantial expenses associated with funeral arrangements and the transportation of the family’s remains to Florida. The campaign, which aims to raise $120,000, has already garnered over $88,000, reflecting the profound impact this tragedy has had on many, including those who did not know the family personally.
“While Christian collaborates with his and Reagan’s family to begin the grieving process for these five beautiful souls, we cannot begin to comprehend the financial strain they will face,” Sarah expressed. “This effort is about providing them with the dignity and peace they rightfully deserve.”
Photographer Katrina Cusatis, who had taken maternity photos for the family last fall, expressed her sorrow in a heartfelt tribute: “Their love, joy, and connection were truly unforgettable. My heart is utterly shattered.” Across various social media platforms, many have shared similar sentiments, posting cherished memories, childhood photographs, and expressions of disbelief. The grief resonates widely, reaching from North Carolina to Florida, encompassing both the family’s close friends and those touched by their story from a distance.
Reagan Dougan is fondly remembered as a person who radiated warmth and joy, making everyone feel like sunshine with her unwavering love. Although her children’s lives were short, they filled their days with laughter, light, and the unique energy that only young ones can provide.
The reasons behind such tragedies may remain a mystery. However, in the aftermath of this loss, one truth stands out: love endures. It flows through the memories, the narratives, the photographs, and the overwhelming support from the community. It can be found in the little things—a familiar scent from the kitchen, a neighbor’s friendly wave, or a child’s laughter that lingers in one’s memory.
For Christian, the journey ahead is unimaginable. Yet, he is not alone in this path.
As friends and strangers come together to support him, and as Reagan and the children are laid to rest, their legacy continues to thrive—in love, in community, and in the unbreakable ties of a family that even death cannot sever.
