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Written by: A. Smith
Published August 26, 2025 @ 9:43 AM ET
SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. – A 3-year-old girl remains hospitalized with a severe brain injury after authorities say a woman drove her vehicle into Dundee Lake earlier this month, leaving the child trapped inside.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, 23-year-old Nafeeza Samad was driving at a high rate of speed on Dundee Lake Road on Sunday, Aug. 10, when she turned into the lake’s parking lot, struck a boulder, and went into the water. Troopers said Samad got out of the submerged vehicle and stood on top while the toddler, who was strapped in her car seat, remained inside.
Deputies and firefighters broke through a window and pulled the girl from the vehicle. Her mother, Tamika Whitson, said her daughter’s body was lifeless when rescuers pulled her out, but first responders revived her after performing CPR.
The child was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where doctors confirmed she had sustained a severe brain injury. Whitson said her daughter can now only breathe on her own but is unable to talk or eat without assistance.
Nearly two weeks after the crash, the child is still recovering and faces a long road ahead.
According to multiple reports, Samad is the child’s godmother and was reportedly taking her to buy pull-ups when the vehicle crashed into the lake.
A GoFundMe campaign titled “#Prayers4Hailey” was created to support the family. The fundraiser, started by Whitson, says her daughter will require extensive medical care, therapy, equipment, transportation, daily needs, and long-term recovery support. As of this week, the effort is less than $900 away from reaching its $6,000 goal.
Samad has been charged with DUI and child endangerment.