A Newton County family is reeling after a devastating vehicle crash earlier this month that killed a 13-year-old boy and left his older sister in critical condition. Thirteen-year-old Aiden Usiak died on April 13 from injuries suffered in the wreck, and 18-year-old Cadence Usiak, who underwent brain surgery and remains in critical condition, is expected to be taken off life support, according to the family. Both siblings were registered organ donors, and an online fundraiser has already brought in more than $53,000 to help cover mounting medical and funeral expenses.
Family Update And Hospital Decision
According to WSB-TV, the children's mother shared an online update saying Cadence will be removed from life support "in the coming days." The station reports that the siblings were involved in a serious crash earlier in April and that Aiden died several days after the collision.
Community Fundraiser
An online fundraiser started April 16 on GoFundMe has raised $53,173 to help pay for Cadence's care and Aiden's funeral. Organizer Brittany Grube writes that Aiden's "precious life will go on to save others through organ donation" and details the family's growing medical bills, travel needs, and other logistical challenges as they split time between hospital visits and planning services.
Remembering Aiden
An obituary shared by J.C. Harwell & Son Funeral Home remembers Aiden as a Newton County STEAM Academy student who loved playing piano and trumpet, collecting Pokémon cards, and suiting up for travel baseball with the Social Circle Squirrels. The obituary also notes a memorial service at the J.C. Harwell chapel later in April and includes information about services and family gatherings for those wishing to pay their respects.
School And Local Ties
District information confirms Aiden was enrolled at Newton County STEAM Academy and had recently participated in district science fairs, according to Newton County Schools. Those school and sports ties help explain why the crash is being felt across local classrooms and youth teams, where classmates, teachers, and coaches are now processing the loss.
Why This Matters
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for U.S. teens, with inexperience, distraction, and night driving among the common risk factors for young drivers, according to the CDC. In Newton County, that sobering reality has taken on a deeply personal edge, as an outpouring of support in the form of hundreds of donations and dozens of messages on the family's fundraiser arrives while the Usiaks navigate hospital decisions and memorial planning, as described on the GoFundMe page.
