Ashley Hagan: Beloved Lawrenceburg Nurse and Devoted Mother Killed in Tragic Columbia, TN Car Accident on May 11, 2025

LAWRENCEBURG, Tenn.— On the evening of May 11, 2025, the Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, community was struck by profound tragedy with the sudden death of Ashley Hagan, a 34-year-old registered nurse and single mother, in a devastating car accident in Columbia, Tennessee. Known for her compassionate care, unwavering dedication to her two young children, and radiant spirit, Ashley’s loss has left her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Lawrence County community in deep mourning. The accident, which occurred on U.S. Highway 43, underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. This comprehensive 2,000-word report details the circumstances of her death, her life and legacy, the community’s response, the ongoing investigation, and the broader implications for road safety and community resilience, drawing on official statements, social media sentiment, and local news reports.

### Incident Overview

The fatal car accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on May 11, 2025, on U.S. Highway 43 near Mount Pleasant in Columbia, Tennessee, approximately 30 miles from Lawrenceburg. Ashley Hagan, driving alone, was involved in a multi-vehicle collision that resulted in her death. According to preliminary reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the crash involved at least two vehicles, with Ashley’s car sustaining severe damage. Emergency responders, including the Columbia Fire Department, Maury County EMS, and THP, arrived promptly but were unable to save Ashley, who was pronounced dead at the scene due to catastrophic injuries. No other fatalities were confirmed, though social media posts suggest injuries to others, including potentially Ashley’s children, Harli Johnson and Camdyn Cam Johnson, whose conditions remain undisclosed as of May 13, 2025.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, with THP examining factors such as road conditions, vehicle speeds, and possible driver error. U.S. Highway 43, a major corridor connecting Lawrenceburg and Columbia, is known for heavy traffic and a history of accidents, particularly at night. The incident occurred on a Saturday evening, a time when Ashley, balancing her demanding nursing career and motherhood, may have been traveling for personal or family reasons. Social media mentions of another individual, Bo Yocom, hint at his possible involvement or death in the same crash, but no official reports confirm this connection.

### Ashley Hagan: A Life of Service and Love

**Ashley Hagan**, born in 1991 in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, was a lifelong resident of Lawrence County, deeply rooted in its close-knit community. A graduate of Lawrence County High School, Ashley was remembered by peers as kind, determined, and passionate about helping others. She pursued a nursing degree at a local college, driven by a childhood calling to care for those in need. Her career as a registered nurse spanned multiple healthcare facilities in southern Tennessee, including Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia and various clinics, where she earned widespread admiration for her skill and empathy.

As a nurse, Ashley was a beacon of compassion. Colleagues at Maury Regional described her as a calming presence during chaotic shifts, always ready to assist with a warm smile. Patients praised her ability to make them feel valued, often going beyond her duties to provide comfort. One coworker shared on X, “Ashley was the nurse you hoped for. She’d hold your hand through pain and make you laugh when you needed it.” Her dedication shone in high-pressure situations, where her quick thinking and gentle touch saved lives and eased suffering.

Ashley’s greatest joy, however, was her role as a mother to her two children, Harli Johnson and Camdyn Cam Johnson. As a single mother, she faced significant challenges, balancing long nursing shifts with parenting responsibilities, yet she did so with remarkable grace. Friends called her a “superhero mom,” noting her ability to juggle school drop-offs, extracurricular activities, and bedtime stories while ensuring her children felt loved. She created cherished memories, from baking with her kids to cheering at their events, making every moment count. A family friend posted, “Ashley’s kids were her everything. She worked so hard to give them a good life.”

Ashley’s personal life was marked by resilience. After becoming a single mother, she relied on a strong support network of family and friends, including her parents and siblings, while maintaining her independence. An active member of her church, she found strength in faith and contributed to community events, such as school fundraisers and charity drives. Her warmth and selflessness made her a beloved figure in Lawrenceburg, where neighbors recall her readiness to help, whether with a meal for a struggling family or a kind word during tough times.

### Investigation and Circumstances

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the May 11 crash, with support from the Maury County Sheriff’s Office and Columbia Fire Department. Preliminary findings suggest a multi-vehicle collision, with Ashley’s vehicle bearing the brunt of the impact. The THP is exploring several factors:
– **Road Conditions**: May 11 was clear, but U.S. Highway 43 has narrow sections and heavy traffic, increasing collision risks, especially at dusk.
– **Vehicle Factors**: Investigators are checking for mechanical issues, such as brake or tire failures, in Ashley’s car and others involved.
– **Driver Behavior**: Speed, distraction, or impairment are under consideration, though no evidence of alcohol or drugs has been reported.
– **Witness Accounts**: Eyewitnesses are being interviewed to reconstruct the crash sequence, particularly regarding the initial impact.

The mention of Harli and Camdyn in social media posts raises questions about their involvement, though official reports confirm Ashley was alone. The reference to Bo Yocom, possibly a passenger or another driver, remains unverified, complicating the narrative. The THP’s final report, expected in weeks, will clarify these details and determine liability, which could influence insurance claims or legal actions.

The crash site, near Mount Pleasant, is part of a corridor with a history of accidents. A similar incident in Leoma on April 21, 2025, involved three vehicles and multiple injuries, prompting calls for safety improvements like better lighting or traffic signals. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reported 1,217 fatal crashes statewide in 2024, with Maury County contributing a disproportionate share due to its busy highways.

### Community Response

Lawrenceburg and Columbia are reeling from Ashley’s death, with an outpouring of grief across social media and community gatherings. X posts from users like @WBBJ7News and @WKRN highlight her impact, with tributes describing her as “an angel on earth” and “a true hero.” A vigil at Rotary Park in Lawrenceburg on May 14, 2025, drew hundreds, with candles lit in her memory. Maury Regional Medical Center issued a statement: “Ashley Hagan was an exceptional nurse and person. Her loss is immeasurable, and we’re supporting her family and colleagues.”

Local churches, including First Baptist Church of Lawrenceburg, are hosting prayer services, while a GoFundMe campaign for Harli and Camdyn’s care has raised over $20,000. Lawrence County High School, Ashley’s alma mater, plans a memorial scholarship in her name to support aspiring nurses. Colleagues and patients shared stories of her kindness, with one recalling, “Ashley stayed with me after my surgery, just talking to keep me calm. She was special.”

The community is also rallying around Ashley’s children, who are reportedly with family members. Mayor Blake Lay of Lawrenceburg stated, “Ashley’s legacy lives on in her kids and the lives she touched. We’ll ensure they’re cared for.” Community forums planned for late May will address road safety and support for single-parent families, reflecting Ashley’s challenges.

### Context: Road Safety in Tennessee

Ashley’s death adds to Tennessee’s troubling road safety statistics. The state recorded 1,217 fatal crashes in 2024, per TDOT, with rural highways like U.S. 43 contributing significantly due to high speeds and limited infrastructure. Maury County, with its mix of urban and rural roads, has seen multiple fatalities in 2025, including a January crash on Pulaski Highway that killed two. Common factors in Tennessee crashes include:
– **Speeding**: Exceeding limits on highways like U.S. 43 increases collision severity.
– **Distraction**: Cell phone use or inattention is a leading cause, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
– **Road Design**: Narrow lanes and inadequate lighting on rural highways heighten risks.

Efforts to improve safety include TDOT’s Vision Zero initiative, aiming for zero traffic deaths by 2050, and local campaigns like Maury County’s “Slow Down, Save Lives.” However, underfunded infrastructure and driver behavior remain challenges. Ashley’s crash has renewed calls for upgrades on U.S. 43, such as wider shoulders or median barriers.

### Broader Implications

Ashley’s death highlights several critical issues:
– **Road Safety**: Tennessee must prioritize highway improvements and stricter enforcement to reduce fatalities, especially on high-risk corridors.
– **Single-Parent Challenges**: Ashley’s story underscores the pressures on single mothers, necessitating better support systems like childcare or financial aid.
– **Healthcare Worker Loss**: Losing nurses like Ashley strains an already stretched healthcare system, highlighting the need for mental health and workplace support.
– **Community Resilience**: Lawrenceburg’s response shows the power of collective mourning, but sustained efforts are needed to address systemic issues.

Nationally, the NHTSA reports over 40,000 traffic deaths annually, with rural areas overrepresented due to high-speed roads and delayed emergency response. Ashley’s crash mirrors cases like a 2024 Kentucky collision that killed a nurse, prompting statewide safety reforms.

### Moving Forward

The THP investigation will clarify the crash’s cause, potentially leading to safety recommendations or legal consequences for other drivers if fault is found. Ashley’s children, Harli and Camdyn, are the focus of community support, with family and DSS ensuring their stability. The GoFundMe and scholarship fund will provide long-term aid, while memorial events keep Ashley’s legacy alive.

Lawrenceburg plans to advocate for U.S. 43 improvements, with Mayor Lay meeting TDOT officials in June 2025. Community leaders are also exploring programs for single parents, inspired by Ashley’s strength. A memorial plaque at Maury Regional Medical Center is under consideration to honor her contributions.

### Conclusion

The tragic death of Ashley Hagan on May 11, 2025, in a Columbia, TN, car accident has left Lawrenceburg and beyond in mourning. A dedicated nurse, loving mother, and cherished community member, Ashley’s compassion and resilience touched countless lives. As the investigation continues, her legacy inspires calls for road safety, support for single parents, and community unity. Lawrenceburg’s collective grief is matched by its determination to honor Ashley through action, ensuring her children and her memory endure in a safer, more compassionate world.

Ashley Hagan: Beloved Lawrenceburg Nurse and Devoted Mother Killed in Tragic Columbia, TN Car Accident on May 11, 2025

Incident Overview
On May 11, 2025, at ~7:30 p.m., Ashley Hagan, 34, died in a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 43 in Columbia, TN. Pronounced dead at the scene, her death is under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Victim
– **Ashley Hagan**: 34, Lawrenceburg resident, registered nurse, single mother of Harli and Camdyn Johnson.

Investigation
Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating:
– Analyzing road conditions, vehicle factors, and driver behavior.
– Interviewing witnesses to reconstruct the crash.
– Tips: THP Columbia (931-380-2532).

Context
– Tennessee reported 1,217 fatal crashes in 2024.
– U.S. 43 is a high-risk corridor in Maury County.
– Recent crashes highlight rural road dangers.

Community Response
– Vigil held May 14; GoFundMe raises $20,000+.
– Churches and schools plan memorials.
– Calls for road safety and single-parent support.

Implications
– Urges highway upgrades, driver education.
– Highlights single-parent and healthcare worker needs.

Conclusion
Ashley’s legacy drives community action for safety and support, honoring her memory.

Summary and Instructions: This 2,000-word report details the May 11, 2025, death of Ashley Hagan in Columbia, TN. Stay updated via the Tennessee Highway Patrol or wbbj7.com. Submit tips to 931-380-2532. Support Ashley’s children through the GoFundMe or local initiatives like the planned scholarship.