A Family Shattered in Four Days
In just four days, James Spann lost his partner, daughter, and son—the youngest passing away in his arms. A suspected drunk driver slammed into their car on a Georgia highway, killing a mother and two of her children.
The crash occurred on the night of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, along U.S. 82 in Lee County. Georgia State Patrol confirmed that 32-year-old Bernedine Spann was driving with her 13-year-old daughter, Ja’Leah, and seven-year-old son, Jaxton. Another vehicle, reportedly traveling the wrong way, struck them head-on.
Authorities identified the driver as 41-year-old Sherita Goddard, who is suspected of being under the influence. Bernedine and Ja’Leah died at the scene.
A Father’s Final Goodbye
Jaxton survived the initial crash but was critically injured. His family clung to hope for four days. On January 18, James Spann shared heartbreaking news: his son had passed away.
“On January 18, 2026, at 1:38, my baby boy took his last breath and heartbeat in my arms,” James wrote on Facebook. “Our last photo together—if only this moment could have lasted forever. Unfortunately, it is now an unforgettable memory. The #Spann5 is down to the #JamesDuo. Don’t drink and drive; it takes lives.”
Sherita Goddard and her passenger—believed to be her daughter—were injured and hospitalized. Their conditions remain undisclosed. Officials have not yet confirmed whether charges will be filed.
Outrage Over Negligence
Friends and family expressed fury at the suspected driver. Bernedine’s longtime friend, Shonda James, demanded accountability.
“She needs to face the full consequences. She killed people—they didn’t have to die. She needs to go to jail,” Shonda said. “It was negligent for her to drive drunk. She made a conscious choice to get behind the wheel on the wrong side of the road, with children in her car.”
Only One Child Survives
The crash left one Spann child behind—James III—who was not in the car that night. Ja’Leah and Jaxton attended Randolph County Schools. Ja’Leah was in eighth grade; Jaxton in second. The school district confirmed their deaths and offered counseling to students and staff.
A GoFundMe launched after the crash has raised over $34,000 of its $35,000 goal, helping cover funeral and medical expenses. The campaign called the incident a “senseless tragedy” and emphasized the family’s reliance on faith during this time of grief.
Bernedine Spann seen with her three children in a post dated April 1, 2025 | Source: Facebook/jdspann003
A Community in Mourning
Mourners flooded social media to honor Bernedine and her children.
“A daughter, a sister, a friend, and most importantly a mother! She always smiled and made people laugh. Bernedine, you made your mark,” wrote April Giles.
Others expressed anger. “Sherita Peterman Goddard, you allegedly drank and drove. You killed my sister and her baby,” wrote Morgan Williams Spann.
A National Tragedy Pattern
This crash is one of several recent incidents in which entire families have been killed in roadway accidents.
Nearly two months prior, a Colorado family faced a similar fate. On November 24, 2025, a head-on crash along Highway 83 in Douglas County killed five people, including four family members—three of them children. Investigators said the suspect, 31-year-old Walter Huling, had stolen his vehicle just an hour earlier.
Inside the Ford sedan, Army reservist Alvin Corado, his three children, and his girlfriend’s two sons were struck. Alvin, Toretto (8), MaKenlee (12), and Jase (12) were killed instantly. Only Mia (13) and Jordan (14) survived, suffering critical injuries.
System Failures and a Preventable Nightmare
Walter Huling had a history of arrests, including assault, DUI, and burglary, and had served two prison terms. Yet he was free when this deadly crash occurred. District Attorney George Brauchler questioned how someone with Huling’s criminal record could have been allowed on the road.
Community Support and Healing
In the wake of the Colorado tragedy, the Corado family launched a fundraising campaign to cover funeral costs and support recovery for the surviving children. As of Friday, the campaign raised over $86,000 of its $130,000 goal.
Jose Rodriguez, a family member, urged the public: “Hug your kids a little tighter tonight… You don’t know how life can change in an instant.”
