09/01/2026
Our prayers are with this family. Such a tragic accident. But the faith this family is showing is an encouragement and a testimony shining bright for others to see what a relationship with the Lord is about.
I have to be honest- I’m not quite sure where to start.
I suppose I can start by saying that I had hoped to bring you good news this morning about 24-year-old Baylee Johnson of Sumter, South Carolina.
Yesterday afternoon, her uncle- who also serves as the family pastor- called to tell me the family was asking for prayers.
Jim Johnson told me about his niece.
She had a heart of gold.
She was 15 weeks along.
Baylee- along with Justin Lowder- had planned on naming their baby boy “Johnny”.
Jim was on his way to McLeod Medical Center in Florence, S.C.
That’s where Baylee was- unconscious and on a ventilator.
“The baby’s heartbeat remains strong,” Pastor Jim told me.
The pastor greeted Baylee’s parents Rick and Robin shortly after we chatted.
It had been almost 8 days since the accident and the family was hoping Good News was on its way.
Pastor Jim told me about the accident.
It happened a week ago Sunday when Baylee- a former competitive go-kart racer- was visiting friends who had just installed a hobby track in their back yard.
“It had been 4 years since Baylee had been in a go-kart,” said Pastor Jim.
“Baylee knew she had to be careful, so she hopped in the go-kart and slowly drove around the track. Baylee was coming to a stop after taking a few slow laps when it happened,” added the pastor.
Somehow, Baylee’s long dark hair came out from her helmet and her jacket.
“Her hair became wrapped around the rear axle,” said the pastor.
Baylee was yanked backward over the seat.
They cut Baylee’s hair to release her.
Baylee stopped breathing.
Baylee’s father Rick along with a friend did CPR until medics arrived.
They brought Baylee back.
She was rushed to Florence.
For over a week, Baylee fought hard.
Pastor Jim was hopeful as he chatted with me early yesterday afternoon.
He told me he would update me late yesterday.
I returned home last night from a speaking engagement in Selma when I saw the text.
“Baylee went to Heaven this afternoon (along with Johnny)”, the text read.
My heart jumped.
And then it sank.
Baylee’s father Rick released his thoughts last night:
“Today at 3:31 p.m., my daughter Baylee and my grandson- Baby Johnny- went home to Heaven together.
“Glory, glory, hallelujah! They are in the arms of Jesus! Healed, whole, and at peace.
“Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us, supported us, and shown so much love to our family.
This has been an incredibly difficult week, and we know the days ahead will be just as hard.
“Please continue to give God the glory, our family grace as we grieve, and please keep us in your prayers.
“We love and appreciate every one of you.”
This is no doubt a terribly sad story- in fact, I thought long and hard about posting this until Pastor Jim encouraged me to do so.
Jim wants us to know that Baylee had a close relationship with Jesus, and he says faith will get the family through.
“God does not make mistakes,” Pastor Jim said.
He told me regardless of what might happen, Baylee was forever a winner.
*Let’s be comforted in knowing that Baylee and Johnny will be with Jesus forever.
*Please send your condolences to Justin, Baylee’s parents Rick and Robin and the extended family.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
*Picture courtesy the Johnson family.
Riley Green
