Pregnant Mom-Of-2 Loses Both Kids in Car Crash, Will Now Birth New Baby on Late Daughter's Birthday

In the most heart-shattering turn of events, a mother suffered an unimaginable tragedy when she lost her two kids in a horrific crash. Several months later, the devastated woman received a piece of life-changing news — she and her partner were pregnant.

A significant part of being alive is knowing when to hold on and let go. Sadly, some lessons can only be learned the hard way, and saying goodbye happens to be one of them.

Farewells are bound to leave us with indescribable emotions, but what hurts the most is not knowing when we will see our dear ones again. The woman in today's story experienced a similar state of heart when an unfortunate incident changed her life until fate surprised her again.

A Heart-Rending Incident

Rhiannon Lucas lived with her partner, Adam Saunders, in Tredegar, near Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. She had two children, Gracie-Ann Lucas and Jayden-Lee Lucas, who she loved with all her heart and soul. Saunders was the siblings' stepfather and deeply cared for them.

He recalled feeling astounded and at a loss for words upon learning the baby's due date.

On February 5, 2022, the two kids were in a car with their mom and stepdad when a van bumped into their vehicle on the M4. The four of them were returning home from a friend's birthday party at the time.

Both Gracie, four, and her brother, Jayden, three, tragically died within days of each other following the unfortunate accident. Their mother, Rhiannon, suffered serious injuries. In addition to her physical wounds, the grieving mom experienced severe mental and emotional trauma.

The van driver was later identified as 41-year-old Martin Newman, reportedly driving under the influence of drinks and drugs. He was jailed for nine years and four months on two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one of causing injuries to the kids' mother.

Newman also faced charges of drink-driving and drug driving. But according to the late children's family, the driver would only serve over four years in prison. When Rhiannon and the others appealed in court for the sentence to be reconsidered, they said their pleas were denied.

An Emotional Farewell

Gracie and Jayden had a combined funeral on March 21. Emotions ran high as hundreds of mourners gathered on the streets to grieve their tragic demise. The late siblings' favorite cartoon characters led the procession, and doves were released into the air.

Several months after the unfortunate incident, Rhiannon and Saunders, who had been together for almost 22 months, discovered something — they were pregnant. But what they learned at their 12-week scan left them flabbergasted.

The couple said their baby was due on April 10, 2023, the same day as Gracie's sixth birthday. Saunders, who worked in a call center, noted that the news of their baby has kept him and Rhiannon sane and positive amid the sadness.

The 27-year-old father-to-be said that after everything he and his partner had endured, the pregnancy news gave them hope and something to look forward to. He recalled feeling astounded and at a loss for words upon learning the baby's due date.

Saunders said that he and Rhiannon visited Gracie and Jayden's graves frequently, adding, "the first time we went to the grave after we found out, it was like announcing the news to them that they're having a brother or sister."

A Message from Above

Calling the baby "a special child" for being due on Gracie's birthday, Saunders believes it's a message from the children. He stated:

"It's like fate. For the due date to be on Gracie's birthday, it's like the kids were sending us a message."

Saunders mentioned that while he and Rhiannon miss the children terribly, they try to talk about them happily. The future dad said that he's positive both Gracie and Jayden are looking down on him, and their mom and are present with them in soul and spirit.

Comments from Netizens

When the family's heartbreaking yet heartwarming story was shared on social media, it gained traction, garnering love, support, and encouragement from many netizens far and wide. Some of the comments read:

"Aww this is lovely news Happy for them both, Congratulations both (sic)."

— (@mandy.lewis.963871) October 9, 2022

"I can't imagine their pain but hopefully this little one, who is clearly heaven sent will help to heal them just a little (sic)."

— (@carys.rhiannon.1) October 9, 2022

"Oh let us hope this new baby will bring much joy into their lives, they so deserve some happiness after the pain and grief they have suffered! A gift from God (sic)!"

— (@julie.williams.777) October 9, 2022

"What wonderful news for you both. A new little life to love and cherish and give you hope for the future. God Bless (sic)."

— (@gwyneth.phillips.73) October 9, 2022

Fly high with the angels, sweet Gracie and Jayden. We are sure you will continue to watch over your baby sibling and loving parents from above.

Click here to read another story about a couple who turned off their three-month-old daughter's life support. Months later, they were blessed with twins despite being infertile.