Tragic New Year: Georgia Couple Killed in Head-On Collision
A New Year’s Day crash in Cherokee County, Georgia, claimed the lives of a young couple and left their three children orphaned. Thomas and Jasmine Agan died instantly in a violent head-on collision on Alabama Highway 9 around 5:45 p.m. on January 1. What should have been a day of hope turned into an unimaginable tragedy just two miles north of Centre.
The Victims
Jasmine, 26, was driving their Chevrolet Traverse with her husband, Thomas, 25, beside her when their SUV collided with a Ford Explorer driven by 16-year-old Chaz Lawson. Alabama State Troopers confirmed that neither Jasmine nor Thomas was wearing a seat belt. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The teen driver, seriously injured, was airlifted to an undisclosed hospital. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Three Young Children Left Behind
The Agans, who split their time between Temple, Georgia, and Cedar Bluff, Alabama, were devoted parents to three children: Jaxson, Ila Mae, and Kolsie, all under five. The little ones are now in the care of their grandparents as the family navigates a sea of grief.
Colleagues at Allatoona Diesel and Automotive, where Thomas worked, mourned the loss. “He always loved them. He had good things to say, and even the stories he told were hilarious,” said technician Brett Gobel.
Jasmine and Thomas Agan with their children, seen in a post dated January 29, 2025 | Source: Facebook/jasmine.dae.39
Community Rallies to Support the Children
Thomas’ coworkers launched a GoFundMe campaign for the children, raising over $47,000 toward a $50,000 goal. Shop owner Drake Winn said they plan to provide a vehicle for the children and their caregivers. “I’m here to do whatever it takes to help that family,” he said.
Co-workers described Thomas as the backbone of the shop, a man who spread joy wherever he went. “He had a way of making sure you could never have a bad day,” they wrote.
Family Grieves Publicly
Family members took to social media to express their sorrow. On January 4, relative Britney Walker posted a heartfelt tribute:
“My heart is broken. We lost my cousin and his wife, but they felt like siblings to me. They leave behind three precious babies, and my heart aches for them.”
She added, “Even in this pain, I find peace knowing they are together with the Lord. Please keep our family in your prayers, especially these sweet babies.”
A Year That Began in Sorrow
The Agans’ deaths marked a grim start to 2026. Just one day later, a helicopter crash in Arizona killed four people, including a groom-to-be and his three nieces, turning another day meant for celebration into tragedy.
The helicopter, an MD 369FF, crashed near Telegraph Canyon outside Superior, Arizona, around 11 a.m. on January 2. Preliminary reports suggest one rotor blade struck a recreational slackline, causing the aircraft to overturn. No slackliners were present at the time, and the line had been marked with aviation indicators.
Community Mourns
Tributes poured in as friends and family mourned the losses. Elizabeth Gallup called the events “unimaginable” and thanked the public for their support. Longtime friend Deatley Britt described McCarty, the helicopter pilot, as a legend and loyal friend, offering condolences to the family.
