A Texas mother is left with one less child after he died in a car crash alongside other family members. The woman was left torn by the tragedy, and her community tried to alleviate her grief by raising funds for her online.

On January 29, 2024, at around 4:30 p.m., two cars were involved in a collision in Ross County, Ohio, leaving three people dead. The Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers said the fatal accident occurred near milepost 34 along U.S. Route 35.

When the incident happened, Charleston’s Deana Early, 56, was driving an SUV, traveling east on U.S. 35. Deana was trying to make a left turn onto Main Street in Richmond Dale, Ohio, but didn’t yield to oncoming traffic. A tractor-trailer hit Deana’s car and forced it off the right side of the roadway.

The SUV ended up crashing into a tree and guardrail. Sadly, Deana’s passengers, Dylan Larson, 8, and his father, Donavan Larson, 51, of Waco, Texas, passed away from their injuries. The driver of the semi-truck left the accident unharmed.

The day after the incident, Jernelle Larson spoke to the press about losing her family members. She confirmed that Donovan was her husband, Dylan was her son, and Deanna was her mother. The grieving parent sadly revealed how time has stood for her since the tragic accident, with her adding:

“It’s unbearable, and it’s not moving … but I’m trying.”

She said her heart is broken because her husband will never get to walk his daughters down the aisle. Jernelle also notes how her son will never attend prom or graduate, while her mother won’t have the chance to live “the life she deserves.” Everything happened instantly.

The parent shared how her late son loved playing in the fields and sports, with the Larson’s community showing their support by circulating social media posts about what Dylan meant to the community. The boy’s former coach, Dionte Coleman, had this to say:

“To know him was to love him.”

Dionte revealed that the little boy, who attended Culloden Elementary School, changed everyone’s life in the short time they knew him. The boy was in second grade at his school, which released a statement saying it was “devastated” to lose him.

Dylan was described as having a big personality and being joyful. He was a good friend to other students and would be sorely missed. Extra social workers and counselors were available to support the school’s students, their families, and the staff as they navigated the tragedy.

A small event was held for the second graders to allow them to celebrate Dylan’s life. The school concluded its message by offering its sincerest condolences to the late boy’s family and friends. Cabell County Schools also provided a toll-free CareLine to families affected by the incident.

“I am so very sorry.”

Jernelle’s community banded together the day after the accident to offer her support. They created a GoFundMe account to help ease their financial burdens and to allow her and her family to be able to give their late loved ones the memorial they deserve.

By February 5, 2024, about $21,600 of the $30,000 goal had been given from 380 donations. On January 30, 2024, Jernelle shared a Facebook post that included pictures of her beloved family members, with her confessing:

“I don’t know how I’m going to continue on this journey of life without these 3.”

Facebook users reacted to Jernelle’s post, sharing their condolences and heartfelt messages, with one person writing, “I have no words. You have been on my mind, and praying so hard for you and your family right now. Praying that you can somehow find comfort. I love you sis. Thinking of you.”

“Prayers for you and your family,” replied another reader.

“I am so sorry! Sending my prayers, love and condolences to you Jernelle Larson that God comforts and strengthens you now and for the days ahead. My heart is hurting. Praying for our blended family. I love you and I am here for you,” someone else said to the grieving woman.

“I am so very sorry. I know words can’t really make much difference, but know that you are in my prayers. We are here for you for whatever you need,” consoled another person.

Someone else wrote, “I am so heart broken [sic] for you and Mariah. Please know you are in our prayers and we are here to help for anything at all.”

AmoMama would like to extend its most profound and sincerest condolences to the Larson family for their losses. We wish them strength, patience, and resilience through this challenging time.