Reagan Dougan, a mom of four, was taking her children to Florida to see their dad when a tragic crash happened.
As they were driving down I-95 South in McIntosh County, Georgia, the rented SUV they were in collided with another vehicle and burst into flames, killing all five of them.
The children were aged 9, 4, 2, and a 3-month-old baby.
Georgia State Trooper Christopher Ashdown said the SUV struck the rear of a white Infiniti sedan while driving at a high speed. “Seeing how hard the impact was obviously caused the SUV to ignite,” Ashdown added.
The driver of the other vehicle was left with injuries and transferred to a hospital.
Currently, the exact cause of the tragic accident is under investigation.
Christopher “Jonesy” Butler-Jones, a friend of the family, spoke through tears to WTVD: “I’m still in shock. [Her husband] lost his entire family. It’s just heart-wrenching.”
He described Reagan as a devoted mother and an amazing friend. “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.
“If you’re upset, you can call her and she’s going to make you happy. She’s going to show you the brighter side of it.”
Lindsey Marie, another friend of the late mother of four who tragically lost her life along with her children, said, I can’t imagine what her poor husband and family are feeling. My heart is broken — tomorrow is never promised. I just have no words.
She added: “Rest in peace, angel. You have NO idea how loved you were by so many.”
The family started a GoFundMe page on the behalf of the devastated father, Christian Dougan, to help with the funeral expenses for the mom and children who died in the devastating crash.
“While Christian works with his and Reagan’s family to begin mourning these five beautiful souls, we cannot even fathom the financial burden it is going to endure moving his family from Georgia to their final resting place in Florida,” Christian’s step-mother Stoltman wrote.
Photographer Katrina Cusatis, who had the honor of capturing the Dougan family’s maternity photos just last fall, took to Facebook to express her deep sorrow in the wake of the devastating news. “My heart is completely broken over this unimaginable tragedy,” she wrote, her words echoing the shock and grief felt by so many who knew the family.
Having witnessed their joy and connection firsthand through the lens of her camera, Katrina reflected on the unforgettable bond they shared. “Their love, joy, and connection were truly unforgettable,” she continued, emphasizing how deeply the family’s warmth and unity had touched her. Moments like those—smiles exchanged, gentle touches, quiet laughter during a photo session—had painted a portrait of a family full of life and love.
Now, those captured memories take on a new and heartbreaking weight, serving not just as beautiful keepsakes, but as a reminder of just how fragile life can be. For Katrina and others who knew them, the images will forever represent more than a moment—they will represent a legacy of love that lives on, even in loss.
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