SHAWNEE, KS – A deadly incident unfolded in Shawnee, Kansas, that took the life of a young boy. Nolan Davidson, a 9-year-old boy, succumbed to his injuries Thursday night, a week after being involved in a car crash suspected to be caused by a drunk driver. The Shawnee Police Department confirmed his death early Friday. Following the accident on Dec. 1, Nolan lapsed into a coma from which he never recovered.
Matthew Jacobo, 25, is the suspect believed to have caused the crash. After allegedly fleeing the scene post-collision, he was subsequently apprehended by the police. Currently, he is in Johnson County Jail, with a $1 million bond, and is pending charges of DUI and aggravated battery among other charges. It is yet to be determined if he has entered a plea or appointed legal representation.
A GoFundMe page started by Nolan’s family characterized the boy as an avid basketball player, on his way from one game to another when the accident took place. He was seated in the rear passenger-side seat. Following the crash, he was hospitalized, underwent surgery, and was put into a medically induced coma. The online fundraiser has amassed over $140,000 in donations.
Amidst their grief, Nolan’s family announced his passing on his Caring Bridge page. They shared that Nolan was surrounded by family and members of their church community at the time of his death. Furthermore, they have opted to donate Nolan’s organs with hopes that he can “provide a miracle for somebody else in need.”