CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A fundraiser has been set up to help the family of Jasonah Crawford, who died after her car crashed into the Cumberland River just days before Christmas. And a portion of the money raised will go to help another nursing major at Austin Peay State University.
Jasonah, described by her family as “a bubbly, funny, sweet, hardworking, intelligent and loving 18-year-old young woman,” was a freshman at Austin Peay State University and worked at Electrolux in Springfield. She planned for a future as a pediatric nurse.
“She comes from a large family who loves her tremendously,” said Devita Jackson, her aunt.
On Tuesday, Dec. 22, just before 6 p.m., witnesses reported seeing Crawford’s gray Nissan Altima leave the roadway and enter the Cumberland River near Riverside Drive and West Washington Street, just north of the RJ Corman Bridge.
Jackson said the family was told the car took a sharp turn off the road and into the river.
“Jasonah was terrified of water. We are left puzzled and devastated by her loss,” Jackson said.
On Sunday, after a delay caused by freezing weather and strong currents, divers located the vehicle and crews removed it from the river, confirming that Crawford was inside.
The investigation into the cause of the accident is still active, police Detective Michael Patterson said Tuesday.
The family is asking anyone who may have information about the accident to contact Clarksville Police, 931-648-0656.
Meanwhile, the family has struggled to pay for travel back and forth to Clarksville and to cover funeral expenses. They have set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe, and a portion of proceeds will go to help another nursing major at APSU, they said.
Crawford is from Murfreesboro and graduated from LaVergne High School.
“We are eternally grateful to all of the first responders, law enforcement and agencies involved in her location and recovery efforts,” Jackson said. “We wish to send blessings and gratitude to the community of Clarksville, Austin Peay State University, LaVergne and Murfreesboro.”
Jackson said she set up the fundraiser on behalf of Crawford’s mother, Latishia Dowdy, with the assistance of her aunts, Takia Sanders and Tanica Conteh, and her grandmother, Norma Conaway.