More than five weeks after a devastating DUI crash on Interstate 520 left him critically injured, Donell Brown has died.
Brown, 33, succumbed to his injuries on the morning of Thursday, July 31, according to a heartfelt Facebook post shared by his longtime partner, Becca Byars. The couple had spent 15 years building a life together and are the parents of young children.
“This is not the update I wanted to share with you guys, but here we are,” Byars wrote on Saturday. “Thursday morning, Donell succumbed to his injuries. The kids and I were able to make it in time to say our goodbyes, but nothing could have prepared us for this outcome.”
Brown had remained unresponsive and in critical condition since June 24, when authorities say a 63-year-old Augusta woman, Daphna Collier, slammed into the back of his GMC Savannah van while allegedly driving under the influence and recklessly changing lanes at high speed.
The violent impact caused Brown’s van to roll several times near the Wrightsboro Road exit. He was on his way to pick up food for the YMCA from Golden Harvest Food Bank.
First responders rushed Brown to Doctor’s Hospital with severe internal bleeding, two broken legs, broken ribs, and a traumatic brain injury. He underwent emergency surgery and was placed on a ventilator, but never regained consciousness.
Last week, Byars posted an update saying Brown had been transferred to a different hospital to treat complications stemming from his injuries. That marked five weeks since the wreck.
“Some days are stable, and others are not,” she wrote then. “He remains unresponsive and in critical condition.”
Brown was a well-known and respected member of the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta, where colleagues described him as a “selfless servant” dedicated to his community. His sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from coworkers, friends, and local residents.
In her emotional tribute, Byars reflected on the life and love she shared with Brown.
“We have spent everyday for the last 15 years choosing each other,” she wrote. “We have built a life that we love brick by brick… Nothing could have prepared me to say goodbye to the man I was supposed to spend forever with. He chose us every day, out loud, with passion and purpose.”
She ended the post with a plea for continued support: “Please keep our kids in your thoughts. Life is so unfair.”
Collier, the driver of the Chrysler 300, was arrested following the wreck and faces several charges including DUI, serious injury by vehicle (felony), reckless driving, and following too closely.
With Brown’s death, additional charges could be pending.
