A New Year that should have begun with hope instead opened with profound loss for a family and community spanning Georgia and Alabama. On the evening of January 1, a devastating vehicle collision claimed the lives of Thomas Agan, 25, and Jasmine Agan, 26, leaving behind their three young children. The couple was traveling along Alabama Highway 9 when their SUV was involved in a head-on crash with another vehicle just north of Centre. Authorities confirmed that both parents were pronounced dead at the scene, turning what should have been a day of renewal into one marked by sorrow.

Investigators say the Agans were returning home when the collision occurred early that evening. The driver of the other vehicle, a 16-year-old, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Officials have stated that the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and no conclusions have yet been released. What is known, however, is the immense loss left in the wake of the incident. The Agans’ children—Jaxson, Ila Mae, and Kolsie, all under the age of five—are now in the care of extended family members as loved ones work to support them through an unimaginable transition.

Those who knew Thomas and Jasmine describe them as devoted parents whose lives centered on their children. Thomas worked at Allatoona Diesel and Automotive, where coworkers say he brought warmth and positivity into every workday. In the days following the tragedy, his colleagues moved quickly from mourning to action, organizing a fundraiser to help provide stability for the children. The effort has drawn widespread support, reflecting the deep impact Thomas and Jasmine had on those around them and the desire of their community to honor that legacy through care and compassion.

As tributes continue to pour in from friends and relatives, many have shared memories of a couple whose love for one another and for their children was unmistakable. Family members have spoken openly about their grief, while also expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received. Though the year began in heartbreak, those closest to the Agans say they are committed to ensuring that the children grow up surrounded by love, stability, and the stories of who their parents were. In the face of loss, the community’s response has become a quiet reminder that even in moments of deep sorrow, shared humanity and kindness endure.