23-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Kills Sister and 6-Year-Old Girl in 100 MPH Crash on Way to Birthday Party
( Image: Allen County Sheriff’s Department)
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Indiana on November 23, 2024, when a 23-year-old woman allegedly caused the deaths of her sister and a 6-year-old girl while driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph en route to a birthday party.
Jourdan Hudson faces charges in connection with the crash that claimed the lives of Nalani Ella Ervins, 6, and Jaiden Samaria Marquis Newbolt, 25. The accident, which took place along Interstate 69 near the 320-mile marker in Allen County, also left three others injured, including two children.
Authorities reported that Hudson’s SUV flipped and rolled into a ditch. Hudson was arrested last Friday and now faces multiple charges, including two counts of reckless homicide, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, and neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury.
The incident’s initial investigation revealed the vehicle left the roadway for unknown reasons before striking a guardrail and rolling over. According to the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, emergency responders arrived at the scene around 8 p.m. on that Saturday night.
“An SUV with damage and five individuals with injuries” was located, their report stated. Tragically, two occupants, including a juvenile, were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Three others were transported to a local hospital, with their conditions ranging from serious to critical. Updates on their current status remain unclear, per WANE 15.
Initially, Hudson claimed her deceased sister had been driving while she sat in the backseat with the children, ages 4 to 6. However, four days later, she admitted to being the driver. “The defendant, placing the children in the car, voluntarily took responsibility for their health and safety while driving them to the birthday party,” Deputy Russell Collins wrote in the accident report.
If convicted, Hudson could face up to 70 years in prison. It remains unclear why authorities took nearly two months to arrest her following the crash. In the aftermath of the tragedy, GoFundMe pages have been set up for the victims’ families. Nalani’s mother, Brittany, described her daughter as a joyful child who “had a smile that could light up the room.”
She wrote, “She loved unicorns, ponies, and rainbows. She touched so many hearts.” The family had sought $6,500 in donations, raising just under $4,700 by Tuesday afternoon. This devastating incident highlights the lasting impact of reckless driving, leaving a community in mourning for lives lost too soon.
