Garden City, KS — The Garden City community is reeling from heartbreak after an early-morning crash claimed the life of Jaeden Nelson, 24, a devoted mother whose two young daughters were also seriously injured in the accident.
The crash occurred around 4:05 a.m. Friday (September 12, 2025) in the 3700 block of East Mary Street. According to the Garden City Police Department, Nelson was driving when her vehicle left the roadway and struck a power line post. Emergency responders — including the Garden City Fire Department, Finney County Sheriff’s Office, and Finney County EMS — rushed to the scene, where they discovered Nelson and her two daughters inside the heavily damaged vehicle.
Despite lifesaving efforts, Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene. Her daughters, Emerie, age 4, and Phoebe, just 5 months old, were rescued from the wreckage and transported to a local hospital before being flown to Wichita for specialized treatment.
Family and friends describe Nelson as a loving mother whose world revolved around her girls. “She was a light in everyone’s life,” one close friend said. “Her daughters were her everything, and she gave them all the love a mother could give. This loss is beyond devastating.”
Children Facing Long Recovery
Emerie suffered a broken femur and underwent surgery Friday afternoon. Doctors also confirmed she sustained third-degree burns on her right foot, requiring future skin graft surgeries. Once released from the hospital, she will be non-weight-bearing for several months and will need a wheelchair as she heals.
Baby Phoebe was admitted for observation after doctors detected signs of a possible brain bleed. She remains under close medical care as the family anxiously awaits updates on her condition.
A Family’s World Shattered
Nelson leaves behind her partner, Marco, and her two daughters, whose futures have been forever altered. In addition to the emotional toll, the family now faces an overwhelming financial burden — from funeral expenses to mounting medical bills and the loss of income needed during Emerie’s long recovery.
Friends of the family have launched appeals for support, urging the community to come together in this time of profound need. “If you can’t give financially, please share their story and pray,” a family friend said. “These girls have lost their mother, and they need all the love and help we can give them.”
Community in Mourning
The news of Nelson’s death has sent shockwaves through Garden City, with neighbors, coworkers, and friends pouring out condolences and sharing memories of a young woman remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her children.
“Jaeden was one of those people who always made you feel welcome,” a community member said. “She loved her girls fiercely. It’s unthinkable that they’ll grow up without her.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Garden City Police Department confirmed that the cause of the crash remains under investigation. No additional details have been released.
As the community waits for answers, what remains certain is that Garden City has lost a beloved daughter, mother, and friend far too soon. The outpouring of grief — and support for Emerie and Phoebe — is a testament to the impact Nelson had in her 24 short years.
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