Mother of infant killed in ATV accident

By Kelly Kazek
kelly@athensnews-courier.com

July 10, 2009 10:46 pm

— Karen Abernathy of Elkmont held back tears Friday as she described her daughter as “outgoing” and “free-spirited.”
Abernathy’s 21-year-old daughter, Jessica Lynne Braithwaite, mother of a young son, was killed at about 7:40 Thursday night in an all-terrain vehicle crash on Spence Cave Road, seven miles west of Ardmore.
She was riding with Jonathan Barnes, 26, when they attempted to pass another ATV and lost control, Abernathy said. Braithwaite was killed instantly. Barnes was taken by MedFlight to Huntsville Hospital, where he remained in serious condition Friday in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Braithwaite’s son, Skylar, is 18 months old, Abernathy said.
Abernathy said she learned of her daughter’s death when a friend of Barnes’ called to tell her of the wreck.
Her daughter had ridden on four-wheelers before, she said.
“She was very independent,” Abernathy said.
Braithwaite was a cheerleader at West Limestone High School, where she graduated in 2005. She attended Cartwright Church of Christ.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Braithwaite also is survived by her father, Michael Braithwaite and her stepmother Lisa Braithwaite of New Port Richey, Fla.; her stepfather, Anthony Abernathy of Elkmont; three brothers and two sisters.