The community is rallying around a Tuscaloosa family involved in crash in Texas during spring break that left a 4-year-old Alabama boy dead.
The wreck happened Saturday, March 16, when Jamel and Jasmine Cleveland and their children were leaving Dallas to drive back to Tuscaloosa.
Judah Cleveland was killed. The driver of the other vehicle has been charged.
The rest of the family – including a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old – suffered serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care, according to a GoFundMe launched to help the family.
“Our warrior, our light, our joy Judah was a gift from God who touched so many lives in his short time here,’’ his mother wrote on Facebook. “Though our hearts ache, we rejoice in knowing he now walks with the King of Kings, forever in glory.”
According to police, the crash happened just before 4:30 a.m.
The family was driving a Chevrolet SUV traveling east on Highway 80 just west of Collins Road, when a Ford F-250 pickup truck hit them from behind.
Judah was in the third-row seat and died as a result of the impact.
The driver of the pickup, 33-year-old Dakota Chase, is charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.
Chase’s passenger was charged with public intoxication.
“To know that the carelessness of a drunk driver took my baby’s life hurts so bad,” Jasmine Cleveland wrote on Facebook. “My mouth is wired shut from surgery I had to have because of the accident.”
A GoFundMe has been launched to help the family. ‘
“As they face this unimaginable loss, they are also dealing with financial burdens,” wrote fundraising organizer Crystina Hughes. “With medical expenses, household bills, and daily necessities piling up, they need support to help them stay afloat while they take time to A heal and grieve.”
“Being far from home, they have lost many belongings in the accident and are also in need of basic essentials,” Hughes wrote.
Judah is being remembered as a bright, loving, and joyful toddler who brought happiness to everyone around him.
“His loss has left a deep void in the hearts of his family and all who knew him,” Hughes wrote. “During this heartbreaking time, we want to ensure that Jamel and Jasmine have the space to grieve without the added stress of financial worries.”
A celebration of Judah’s life is set for March 29 in Northport.
