BREAKING: Distracted Driver Runs Red Light, Strikes 47-Year-Old Sister of American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts in Georgia — Family in Shock as Singer Rushes to Her Side
A peaceful afternoon in Augusta, Georgia turned into a tragic scene today when a driver distracted by his phone failed to stop at a red light and struck a 47-year-old woman who was walking with her family through a crosswalk. When emergency crews arrived, they made a heartbreaking discovery — the victim was Jasmine Roberts, the older sister of Jamal Roberts, the recent American Idol winner whose rise to fame captivated the nation.
The collision occurred around 3:25 PM, according to Augusta police, near a family-friendly outdoor shopping plaza where the Roberts family was reportedly spending the afternoon. Witnesses say the vehicle ran the red light at a high speed, striking Jasmine with full force and throwing her several feet onto the pavement.
“It was a horrible sound — brakes screeching, people yelling,” said LaTasha Green, who witnessed the accident. “She didn’t stand a chance. She was holding a little girl’s hand and pushed her out of the way just in time.”
Emergency Crews Race to the Scene
Paramedics arrived within five minutes and immediately began life-saving treatment. Jasmine Roberts suffered head trauma, a fractured pelvis, and several broken ribs, but was still breathing when transported to Augusta University Medical Center, where she remains in critical but stable condition in the trauma ICU.
Police confirmed that the 28-year-old driver was actively using his smartphone when he failed to stop at the red light. The man stayed at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Charges of reckless driving, distracted driving, and causing serious bodily injury are pending.
“This is a tragic example of what happens when a split second of distraction causes life-altering consequences,” said Officer Dwayne Lewis of the Augusta PD. “This was 100% preventable.”
Jamal Roberts Rushes to Her Side
News of the accident quickly reached Jamal Roberts, who had been in Atlanta for meetings related to his upcoming debut album. Within an hour, he arrived at the hospital by private car, avoiding cameras and slipping quietly through a side entrance.
Hospital staff described the scene as somber.
“He didn’t say much. He just walked in and went straight to her bedside,” said one nurse. “He held her hand, kissed her forehead. He looked like he was holding back tears the whole time.”
Roberts and his sister Jasmine have long shared a close bond. During his American Idol run, he often credited her with being his “first fan” and the person who encouraged him to audition even when he doubted himself.
Statement from the Family
Later in the evening, a representative for Jamal Roberts issued a public statement on behalf of the family:
“Our family is shaken, but we are standing together in faith. Jasmine is a fighter, and we are grateful for the love and prayers already pouring in. Jamal is focused on being with his sister right now, and we ask for privacy as we support her through this critical time.”
The statement added a plea to the public: “Please, please — put your phone down when driving. This never should have happened.”
Outpouring of Support from Fans and Celebrities
Roberts’ fanbase — built during his inspiring American Idol journey — responded immediately. The hashtag #PrayForJasmine trended nationwide within hours, as fans, fellow contestants, and celebrities sent words of hope.
“Heartbroken for Jamal and his family. Jasmine is in our prayers tonight,” tweeted Idol judge Katy Perry.
“Sending all my strength to Jamal. Family is everything. We’re with you,” added singer John Legend.
Fans began organizing virtual vigils and posted videos of Jamal and Jasmine from early interviews, where she cheered for him from the front row and hugged him after each performance.
“She believed in him before the world did,” one fan wrote. “Now the world believes in her strength.”
A Devastating Reminder of Distracted Driving’s Cost
This incident serves as yet another chilling example of the epidemic of distracted driving in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 3,500 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries in 2023 caused by drivers using mobile devices behind the wheel.
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law, enacted in 2018, prohibits all handheld phone use while driving. Yet violations remain rampant.
“Too many people think they can glance at a text and still be in control,” Officer Lewis added. “They can’t. And it costs lives.”
A Brother’s Silent Strength
Roberts has canceled all upcoming appearances, including scheduled media interviews and a charity performance, to remain at the hospital with his family.
“Jamal may be known to the world as a singer,” a close friend said, “but to Jasmine, he’s just her little brother. That’s who he is right now — just a brother who wants his sister to wake up.”
Holding On to Hope
As Jasmine Roberts remains in critical care, surrounded by loved ones, the world watches — and prays. For healing. For strength. For a family brought to its knees by a moment of carelessness that never should have happened.
But in that darkness, there is also love. And it’s coming from every corner of the world — fans, strangers, families who know what it’s like to sit in a hospital room hoping for a miracle.
Because behind the music, behind the fame, there’s always a family.
And tonight, one of them needs us all.
