AUGUSTA, GA – After a harrowing five-week fight for his life, Donell Brown, a beloved father, friend, and longtime YMCA employee, has tragically passed away following a devastating DUI crash. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his longtime partner, Becca Byars, who shared an emotional tribute honoring his life, spirit, and the profound loss his passing leaves behind.
Donell, 42, was critically injured when a drunk driver struck his vehicle on Interstate 520 in late June. The crash, which occurred during his regular commute home from an evening YMCA shift, left him with severe internal injuries and head trauma. He was rushed to the hospital and placed in intensive care, where he remained in a medically induced coma for several weeks.
Despite showing brief signs of improvement, Donell succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Saturday morning. His passing sent shockwaves through the Augusta community, where he had spent years mentoring youth, coaching basketball, and organizing community wellness programs at the Wilson Family YMCA.
“He fought with everything he had,” Byars wrote in an emotional post shared on Facebook early Sunday morning. “For five weeks we lived in hope, clung to every small sign, prayed endlessly… but last night, my best friend, the love of my life, and the most beautiful soul I’ve ever known slipped away. Our hearts are shattered.”
Byars also thanked the many people who had supported the family during Donell’s hospitalization, noting the outpouring of love from coworkers, neighbors, and families he had helped through his YMCA programs.
A Life of Service and Joy
Donell Brown wasn’t just known for his infectious laugh and boundless energy — he was known for giving his time, heart, and attention to others. Whether helping a teenager build confidence through youth sports, organizing summer camps, or ensuring a struggling family could access health programs, Donell made people feel seen, valued, and empowered.
“He saw the best in people, especially when they couldn’t see it themselves,” said YMCA director Jamal Rivers. “Donell’s presence was magnetic. He made our center feel like home.”
Outside of work, Donell was a dedicated father to two daughters, aged 10 and 14, whom he shared with Byars. He was deeply involved in their lives — attending every recital, practice, and parent-teacher conference, even volunteering as a coach for their school sports teams.
“His girls were his world,” said Byars. “Every decision he made, every late shift, every early morning — it was all for them.”
Calls for Justice and Awareness
The man accused of causing the crash, 34-year-old Terrance Hodge, was arrested at the scene and charged with DUI, reckless driving, and serious injury by motor vehicle. With Donell’s death, charges are expected to be upgraded. Hodge reportedly had a history of traffic violations, including a prior DUI.
Brown’s family is now calling for stricter DUI penalties and better preventative education. A GoFundMe created shortly after the crash to support Donell’s medical bills has since been updated to help cover funeral expenses and to establish a scholarship fund in his name for underserved youth in Augusta.
Community Mourns a True Leader
The YMCA has announced plans to hold a candlelight vigil in Donell’s honor, and a memorial basketball tournament will be organized later this fall, with all proceeds going to the new scholarship fund.
In her farewell message, Byars wrote:
“Donell gave this world more than it ever gave him. He showed up for everyone — and I only wish I could have shielded him from this tragedy. He deserved so much more time. We all did.”
As Augusta mourns one of its brightest lights, the memory of Donell Brown lives on in the lives he touched — in every child who found a mentor, in every family he supported, and in the legacy of compassion and strength he leaves behind.
Rest in peace, Donell. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.
Leave a Reply