
Allen County, Indiana โ High-Speed Crash Claims Two Lives, Leaves Families Devastated
A tragic car accident in Indiana has left a community heartbroken after a 6-year-old girl and a 25-year-old woman were killed. Jourdan Hudson, 23, is accused of recklessly driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph, leading to the deadly crash on November 23, 2024.
The incident, which occurred on Interstate 69 near mile marker 320, also left three others injured, including two children. Hudson now faces multiple charges, including reckless homicide and neglect of a dependent resulting in death, with potential prison time of up to 70 years.
A Joyful Trip Turns Tragic
The crash unfolded on a Saturday evening as Hudson was driving her sister, Jaiden Samaria Marquis Newbolt, a 6-year-old girl named Nalani Ella Ervins, and several others to a birthday party.
According to the Allen County Sheriffโs Department, the SUV veered off the road for reasons still under investigation. It struck a guardrail and rolled multiple times, ejecting both Newbolt and Ervins from the vehicle. Tragically, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders arrived at the crash site around 8 p.m. and discovered a damaged SUV and five individuals with injuries. Three survivors, including two children aged 4 and 6, were transported to a local hospital with serious to critical injuries.
Conflicting Statements and a Delayed Confession
Initially, Hudson denied being the driver. She reportedly told investigators that her deceased sister, Jaiden, had been behind the wheel while she sat in the back of the SUV with the children. However, just four days later, Hudson confessed to being the driver, according to a report from local Fox affiliate WANE.
In the accident report, Allen County Sheriffโs Deputy Russell Collins wrote, โThe defendant, placing the children in the car, voluntarily took responsibility for their health and safety while driving them to the birthday party.โ
The charges against Hudson include neglect of a dependent resulting in death, neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury, reckless homicide, and a lesser neglect charge.
Remembering the Victims
The loss of Nalani Ervins and Jaiden Newbolt has left their families and community devastated. Nalaniโs mother, Brittany Ervins, shared a heartfelt tribute to her daughter on a GoFundMe page created to help with funeral expenses.
โMy name is Brittany Ervins,โ she wrote. โOn November 23rd, just before 8 p.m., my baby Nalani Ervins, 6 years old, life was claimed due to a fatal car accident. My baby had a smile that could light up the room. She had a bubbly personality; she loved unicorns, ponies, and rainbows. She touched so many hearts; she was a ball of joy. Anything that can be donated, me and my family will greatly appreciate it. Please keep us in your prayers.โ
Jaiden Newbolt, Hudsonโs sister, was also remembered in a separate fundraiser as a vibrant and caring individual who left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
A Sobering Reminder of Reckless Drivingโs Consequences
This heartbreaking incident underscores the devastating consequences of reckless driving. Investigators believe Hudsonโs excessive speedโreportedly over 100 mphโwas a significant factor in the crash. The loss of two lives, particularly a child as young as Nalani, serves as a painful reminder of the importance of caution and responsibility behind the wheel.
Seeking Justice and Healing
As the legal case against Jourdan Hudson unfolds, the families of the victims are left to grapple with their grief and find ways to move forward. Community members have rallied around the grieving families, providing support through donations and prayers.
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