Coryell County witnessed a devastating rollover collision claiming the lives of two teenagers. The Texas Department of Public Safety identified the victims as Nakoda Cheyenne Layton, 18, and Kayleigh Smith, 17, residents of Coryell County. Shockingly, neither of them was wearing a seatbelt when their car overturned on I-14 early Monday morning near Central Texas College.
According to DPS reports, the incident occurred in the eastbound lane close to mile marker 278, shortly before 1 AM. Layton lost control, veering off the road into an embankment, causing their gray 2006 Dodge Ram to flip. Tragically, Layton and Kayleigh succumbed to their injuries at the accident site.
Kayleigh R. Smith, born in Temple on April 4, 2006, was the daughter of Leighan Southerland and Jeb Willingham. A vibrant senior at Troy High School, Kayleigh actively participated in various activities, notably as a member of FFA, a dedicated powerlifting team member, and the football team’s trusted trainer.
Her aspirations were high, aiming to pursue a nursing degree upon her graduation in 2024. In a heartwarming gesture, Jennifer York and Leighan Southerland organized a fundraiser to support funeral expenses for Kayleigh and her mother Leighan, who would be missing work due to the tragedy. The fundraiser successfully raised $15,785 via GoFundMe.
Kayleigh’s memorial services were held on July 22, 2023, at Temple Bible Church, where friends and family gathered to remember her alongside her boyfriend, Nakoda (Koda) C. Layton of Troy.
