1-year-old son survived fatal three-vehicle crash caused by lightning
“It’s not fair. She was 24 and her husband was 22. I wish it was me first,” said Davis Nicholas Jr. of Hahnville about losing his daughter, Destinee, and son-in-law, Austin, in a bizarre three-vehicle accident.
The Covington couple was returning from work on a rainy night on May 15 on Interstate 49 in Evangeline Parish when lightning struck and disabled a car on the road ahead, according to Louisiana State Police. An International Wrecker truck just behind it stopped before striking the immobilized car, but Austin couldn’t stop the company truck they were riding in and it struck the wrecker.
Austin Jones was pronounced dead at the scene while Destinee, also known as “Dess,” and their 1-year-old son were taken to Opelousas General Hospital.
Destinee’s family from Hahnville and Paradis rushed to the hospital, but on arrival learned she had died from internal injuries.
Wyatt Holden Jones received minor injuries and went home with family.
“I enjoyed the time I had with her,” Nicholas said. “I’d do it all over again.”
Destinee’s mother, Janice Nicholas also of Hahnville, recalled when they arrived at the hospital expecting to hear about her condition, but instead was told she had passed away.
“It’s been rough, but we got the baby,” she said. “Taking care of him helps.”
Her father said Destinee made sure the baby got a first-class car seat they could find, and he believes it saved his grandson’s life.
Both parents spoke of a daughter full of life, loving and caring of people and animals, hard working, athletic and deeply committed to family.
“She loved life. She was bubbly, happy all the time and never met a stranger,” said Janice Nicholas. “She always had a smile and was always encouraging anyone who was down and it would be better.”
Davis Nicholas said his daughter was “an awesome ball player.”
Destinee played softball, as a shortstop, on third base and pitcher, from 5 years old into Hahnville High School. Many of her fellow players came to her funeral. Her father recalled how, at 14 years old, she filled in as shortstop and on third base on her brother’s hardball when a player broke his arm. They took second place that year and the coach said she was the best player.
Her other passion, the outdoors, was so intense that her father recalled his daughter’s camo prom dress.
“That was Destinee,” Nicholas said. “She loved the outdoors.”
She even continued indulging her outdoor passion on the job when she married Austin Jones, a native of Michigan. The two worked together repairing cell towers with Deep South Communications Co.
“Her and her husband worked as a team,” her father said, who added that the company told him they were the most requested team for the work. “She loved heights.”
The day before the wreck, he said Destinee called him to say, “Daddy, I’m climbing to the top of a 400-foot tower without stopping,” he said, adding, she often sent him cell phone photographs from the top of those towers. “She was in awesome shape.”
Donna Nicholas, Destinee’s aunt, said her niece “was the one to say, ‘Let’s get the family and all go out to eat.’ We did that for this last Mother’s Day. She called it ‘family time.’ She was the joy of my life.”
Family members also called the couple a perfect match.
“She had big plans for a good life and it seemed she was making it all come together along with Austin’s help, which he was so great to her and fit in with all of us,” said Janice Nicholas, her mother. “They had just gotten a new start in life by purchasing a new truck, which was only two months old, and had purchased some land a couple of weeks before. They had also had a trailer ordered to put on it.”Their world all changed on May 15.
Now, Wyatt is being cared for by Donna Nicholas, Janice Nicholas and her great-grandmother Thelma Nicholas, as well as assisted by Austin’s family in Michigan.
“I know they have left this earth, but they left us with the most precious gift of all – that is Wyatt – and we know their spirits live on through him,” said Janice Nicholas. “He fills that hole in our hearts and will be well taken care of, and that is a comfort for us now.”
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