TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about stillbirth and infant loss, which may be triggering to some.
On February 22, 2026, Kailey Kreiss and Brandon Johnson shared on Facebook that they were expecting a baby girl in June. They named her Ainslee and could not wait to hold her in their arms. The couple had no idea that day would come less than a month later. On March 18, at 26 weeks pregnant, Kreiss was involved in a car accident with a truck that reportedly ran a red light. The mother survived the crash, but her unborn baby did not. Now, police in Florida want to hold the unidentified suspect responsible.
The accident happened during the morning rush.
According to WEAR, a truck reportedly blew through a red light at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Bayou Boulevard in Pensacola, around 7:30 a.m. on March 18. Emergency responders took Kreiss to a hospital to get checked out and made a heartbreaking discovery: Ainslee did not have a heartbeat.
“sweet baby girl, you will forever live in our hearts. i never knew i could love someone so much until now. mommy and daddy will see you soon sweet angel,” Kreiss wrote on Facebook a few days after the accident.
“This is an example of why you’ve got to slow down and pay attention, to quit running those lights, because now it costs a child his or her life, and it’s devastating to this family,” Pensacola Officer Mike Wood said. The driver reportedly had only minor injuries, per WEAR.
Kreiss and Johnson may have a lawsuit on their hands.
Lawyer Rachael Gilmer with the firm Levin Papatonio told WEAR this is a bit of a complicated case. “On the criminal side, we allow charging someone criminally with killing an unborn child,” Gilmer said. “But on the civil side, we don’t allow those same rights and damages.”
She added that the case will take time to investigate. “Being able to prove that the death of the unborn child was due to the negligent act or the criminal activity is very important,” Gilmer explained to the outlet. “But obviously, if you have a situation where someone is having a healthy, viable pregnancy, they are in a horrible car wreck, and the unborn child doesn’t survive. It’s easier to connect those dots.”
Kreiss and Johnson issued a statement following Ainslee’s death.
Kreiss went to the hospital for treatment and should recover fully, Fox 10 reported. The young couple’s family released a statement obtained by the news outlet.
“While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that she is in the arms of Jesus and at peace. This child was deeply loved and already brought so much joy and hope. We are mourning all the moments and memories that will never be,” the statement reads in part.
Loved ones created a GoFundMe account to help the couple financially as they navigate this heartbreaking time.
“As Kailey and Brandon focus on healing-both physically and emotionally-we are facing unexpected medical expenses and related financial burdens. We are asking for support to help ease this strain during such a difficult time,” a post on the fundraiser reads.
Per Fox 10, police shared a photo of the truck involved in the crash and asked the public to help identify the driver. WEAR reported he could face a manslaughter charge.
Pregnancy is such an exciting time, and having that ripped away because of someone else’s negligence feels so unfair. Hopefully, this young family receives the justice they deserve.
