A young woman and her unborn child died eight days after a go-kart accident in Sumter, South Carolina. Baylee Johnson, 24, was 16 weeks pregnant at the time of the incident.
According to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker, Johnson was operating a go-kart when her hair became trapped in the vehicle's sprocket. The entanglement caused her neck to hyperextend, leading to a loss of breathing. Johnson, a medical assistant, was subsequently pronounced dead, as was her unborn child, whom she had named Johnny. Johnny was due on February 21.
Johnson's partner, Justin Lowder, announced the pregnancy on Facebook on the Thursday before their deaths, explaining that the announcement was made due to the severity of Johnson's condition. He had appealed for prayers for Johnson and their baby.
Family members described Johnson as having a "caring heart" and expressed that she was eagerly anticipating motherhood. They noted her dreams and prayers for her son, and the unconditional love she felt for him from the moment she learned of the pregnancy. The family also found solace in the fact that mother and child did not have to experience separation.
Johnson was also an aunt, and her family fondly recalled her role as "Bay Bay" to her nieces and nephew, cherishing moments spent with them. Her funeral was scheduled to be held on Saturday.