Key Takeaways
- Kayla Willis’s passing has deeply affected the Columbus community.
- The accident occurred on Interstate 70 in east Columbus on Monday morning.
- Her sister, Yvonne Agbor, expressed deep grief, calling it an unimaginable loss.
Kayla Willis, a talented hairstylist from Columbus, Ohio, tragically passed away in an accident on March 17, 2025, at the age of 27.
Her sudden passing has left the community heartbroken.
The incident occurred early Monday morning when a semi-truck crashed into her Jeep on Interstate 70 in east Columbus.
At around 1:10 a.m., a 2021 Freightliner semi-truck was traveling east on I-70 at I-270. Meanwhile, Willis was heading west on I-70, approaching I-270 in a 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
According to the police report, Willis veered off the right side of the road, striking a concrete wall. She then crossed through the median, hitting a guardrail on the left side.
The Jeep flipped over and landed in the path of the semi, which collided with the vehicle.
Willis was rushed to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition but was sadly pronounced dead at 2:32 a.m.
It remains unclear if the truck driver sustained any injuries, and the crash is still under investigation.
Kayla’s untimely demise has left a profound impact on her family, friends, and the broader Columbus community, who remember her as a vibrant and caring individual.
She was known for her positivity and dedication to all aspects of her life.
As news of her passing spread, heartfelt tributes poured in. One tribute read:
Her sister, Yvonne Agbor, shared an emotional message:
My sister😭😭😭😭 I cannot even begin to wrap my head around this one. I feel like my heart just shattered……… I love you forever and ever and everrrrrrr😭😭 Kayla Willis
Via Facebook
Another tribute said:
I cannot believe I’m writing this. Kayla Willis, I just want to thank you for your existence. You brought light to everyone and your energy uplifted every room when you entered it. Thinking about all of the experiences we had together back in our younger days and I just thank you for always being such positive person and by my side 24/7. Love you and until we meet again. Rest easy lover 🤍🪽
Via Facebook
A close friend shared:
Lakayla… my hair braider. My therapist. My homegirl. Most importantly… a friend. We’ve gotten so close over the last few years and I’m nothing but grateful for the relationship we’ve created. A partnership I will never take for granted! This girl has been braiding my hair since 2020! I’ve been taking her pictures since 2021… the ideas we’ve come up with. The Chicfila breakfast’s we ate during my appointments. Kingston never smiling for pictures or thinking it’s a game to run! Ha! Girl, I love you so much! I love your family like my own & Kingston, of course! Just know I got them forever… Just like you always had me.
Via Facebook
Rest peacefully, baby Kayla Willis 🤍
Born in 1997 as Lakayla Willis, she was raised by her mother, Shawna Willis, and grew up alongside several siblings.
She graduated from Eastmoor Academy, Class of 2015, and studied Social Work at Central State University, where she attended from 2015 to 2019.
Willis was driven by a passion for helping others, with a clear goal of positively impacting her community.
In addition to her career in social work, she was also an accomplished hairstylist, operating under the name Braidsbybbk from August 10, 2020, until her passing.
She used her creativity to boost her clients’ confidence and make them feel their best.
Willis’s impact extended far beyond her professional pursuits. She was well-loved by her friends, colleagues, and clients for her kindness, resilience, and infectious positivity.
As a loving mother to her son, her demise has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew her. She was truly a source of light and joy in their lives.
Her family will announce the details of her funeral and memorial services soon.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Born in the USA, Kayla was American by nationality and of mixed ethnicity.
