Baylee Johnson Obituary, SUMTER, S.C. — Baylee Johnson, a 24-year-old woman from Sumter, South Carolina, has died following a go-kart accident that occurred while she was visiting friends. Johnson was 15 weeks pregnant, and she and her fiancé, Justin Lowder, had already chosen the name Johnny for their unborn son.
Johnson, a former competitive go-kart racer, had reportedly not driven a go-kart in approximately four years. According to her uncle, Pastor Jim Johnson, she was visiting friends who had recently installed a hobby track in their backyard. Knowing she needed to be cautious, Baylee took the go-kart around the track slowly for several laps.
As she was coming to a stop, her long dark hair somehow came loose from her helmet and jacket and became caught around the go-kart’s rear axle. She was pulled backward over the seat, and people at the scene cut her hair in an effort to free her. Baylee stopped breathing, and her father, Rick Johnson, and a friend performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived.
Paramedics were able to restore her breathing before she was transported to McLeod Medical Center in Florence. Baylee remained unconscious and on a ventilator as her family kept vigil. During the difficult days that followed, her family held onto hope, with Pastor Jim sharing that the baby’s heartbeat remained strong.
Baylee continued fighting for more than a week while her parents, Rick and Robin, and other loved ones remained close. Her uncle described her as someone with a heart of gold and said her faith was an important part of who she was. Family and friends continued to ask for prayers as they hoped for a recovery for both Baylee and her unborn son.
The family ultimately received devastating news. Baylee’s father announced that she and her unborn son died together, writing that his daughter and grandson, Baby Johnny, “went home to Heaven together.” He thanked everyone who had prayed for, supported, and shown love to the family during the difficult week, while asking for continued prayers as they face the days ahead.
Friends have also begun sharing memories of Baylee and the impact she had on their lives. One close friend described her as a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, soon-to-be mother and friend, remembering her smile, laughter, generosity and willingness to be there for others. The friend said Baylee’s memory and the time they shared together will be cherished.
Pastor Jim said Baylee’s faith remained a source of strength for the family and expressed his belief that it would help them through their grief. As Sumter, Lugoff, Elgin and surrounding communities mourn Baylee and Baby Johnny, condolences continue to go to Justin Lowder, Rick and Robin, and their extended family. Their loved ones are now left to remember a young woman whose life touched those around her and the son she had already welcomed into her family’s hopes and dreams.
