Mum-to-be, 24, killed in freak go-karting accident after ‘ponytail got trapped in wheel & violently yanked neck’

A YOUNG mum-to-be has been killed in a freak go-karting accident after her ponytail got trapped in a wheel and yanked her neck back, a coroner said.

Baylee Johnson, 24, was 15 weeks pregnant with her first child when the horror accident took place at a go-karting track in Sumter, South Carolina on August 23.

She and her unborn child, who she had named Johnny, died eight days later in hospital.

Coroner Robbie Baker told The State that Baylee’s ponytail had got stuck in the kart’s sprocket, a toothed wheel that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

Her neck hyper-extended, stopping her from breathing.

She was pulled unconscious from the go-kart and had no pulse, Baker said.

Paramedics were able to revive Baylee and the young mum-to-be was rushed to hospital.

Heartbreakingly, Baylee’s tragic accident was how many of her relatives found out that she was pregnant.

Before her death, her partner Justin Lowder wrote on Facebook on Thursday: “This isn’t how Baylee and I ever imagined sharing this news, but God has blessed us with a baby boy.

“Baylee is carrying our sweet Johnny, due February 21.”

He begged people to pray for his girlfriend and unborn child, writing: “Please pray for Baylee and our precious baby boy.

“We love them both more than words could ever say.”

Baylee and her unborn son died on August 31.

An obituary described Baylee as a “beloved daughter” and her soon-to-be born baby as “completely and unconditionally loved”.

Her family wrote: “Baylee worked at Prisma Health OB/GYN–Sumter, where her caring heart, quick wit and unforgettable personality made her a treasured coworker and friend.

“Caring for others came naturally to Baylee – but so did making them laugh. And if there is one thing everyone who knew Baylee could agree on, it is that she was funny.

“So funny. Baylee was silly, spontaneous and completely carefree.

“She would dance anywhere, sing as loudly as she wanted and never give a second thought to who might be watching—or how crazy she looked while doing it.”

They added that she was an aunt, which was one of “the greatest joys in her life”.

Her family said they’re taking “comfort” in the fact that Baylee and Johnny “never had to say goodbye to one another.”