ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Six months pregnant and recovering from multiple broken bones, Jaiden Wallace-Hayes is focused on healing for her unborn son after a street racing crash that killed a man and a 4-year-old child on Krug Street.

Wallace-Hayes, 24, works as a CNA and is recently married. She is also the mother of two daughters, ages 8 and 2. Despite the trauma, she says her focus remains on her growing family. “I’m still here for my son,” Wallace-Hayes said.

According to Albany police, the crash happened around 9:41 p.m. on March 21 in the 1900 block of Krug Street. Investigators say a vehicle involved in street racing lost control and crashed into a group of vehicles.

Rickey Thomas, 26, and the 4-year-old child died from their injuries. Two other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

Police say Brandon King, 24, and Jacob Daniels Jr., 25, are each facing two counts of first-degree homicide by vehicle, along with additional charges including reckless driving and racing on a highway.

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A moment that changed everything

Wallace-Hayes said she remembers the moments leading up to the crash, but her life has looked different ever since. Loved ones say she suffered two broken feet and a broken leg, leaving her to navigate recovery while preparing to give birth.

“It’s been overwhelming, but we’re just thankful she’s still here,” a family member said.

Friend describes hospital visit

Leah Barry, Wallace-Hayes’ best friend since ninth grade, said she first saw a post about the crash on Facebook before receiving a text the next morning with a GoFundMe link.

“I reached out to her husband and I was like, ‘What is going on? Please tell me this is not true. Is she OK? Is the baby OK?’” Barry said.

Barry said she fought back tears when she walked into Wallace-Hayes’ hospital room.

“The minute I walked into that hospital room, I almost broke out in tears,” Barry said. “Seeing someone who is a huge, huge part of my life in a hospital bed … it broke my heart.”

‘Innocent bystander’

Barry said Wallace-Hayes was not involved in the racing.

“She was not in either of the cars that were involved in the race,” Barry said. “She was an innocent bystander.”

Barry said the baby’s condition has been a constant concern for the family, but doctors have offered reassurance.

“Thankfully he is OK. Heartbeat is steady. Everything is strong with him,” Barry said.

Community steps in to help

A GoFundMe has been created to help with medical expenses and family needs as Wallace-Hayes faces surgery and rehabilitation, Barry said.

“A good portion of it is going towards medical expenses, but a majority of it will go to her children,” Barry said, adding that relatives may need help taking time off work to assist with childcare.

The GoFundMe link is: Fundraiser by Jamesha Rhodes : Surviving Fatal Crash

The bigger picture

The crash has renewed concerns about illegal street racing in Albany. Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler previously called the deaths “devastating” and urged drivers to think through the risks, noting that street racing endangers not just drivers but bystanders and people gathered nearby.

“It’s something that can be prevented … just two lives taken for something senseless,” Fowler said in a previous interview with WALB.

Wallace-Hayes said she hopes her recovery — and the losses tied to the crash — serve as a warning.

“It’s not worth it,” she said. “Please think before you act.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Man and 4-year-old child killed during street racing in Albany, APD reports
• Victims of fatal Albany street racing crash were bystanders—not inside the racing vehicles, APD says
• ‘No good reason’: Albany community reacts to deadly street racing crash
• Family remembers father, 4-year-old son killed in street racing crash

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