Youth Director Dies in Tragic Accident Hours After Preaching the Promises of Heaven

Only hours before her tragic death in a car accident, 30-year-old youth director Caylee Dugger preached on the promises of heaven to the women’s ministry at her church.

The devout follower of Jesus was a Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary student and was on the worship team at First Baptist Church North Kansas City, Missouri.

While driving from Kansas City to Texas, she was killed in a three-vehicle wreck. Oklahoma Highway Patrol says she died at the scene of the accident on Feb. 2, 2023. 

Friends, family and professors have taken to social media to share the impact Dugger had on the lives of those she came in contact with:

“From professors who explained that they have never seen someone share the gospel with fellow students as much as she did, to friends who praised her genuine kindness and love. It is clear that in her 30 years, Caylee made an unbelievable impact on everyone she encountered,” her family wrote.

In her final message, she preached from Revelation 7:11-12, which reads, “All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures and fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying: ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.'”

Before meeting Jesus face to face, Dugger meditated on the realities of heaven and the glory of the Lord. 

“We are sad, broken, and hurting. And yet, we have found such peace in knowing that Caylee is in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—and that her incredible faith has been given sight. Even in the midst of this tremendous sorrow and grief, God has given us joy,” her brother said. 

The Sunday following her death, First Baptist Church Associate Pastor Mike Parrett said, “We don’t grieve as those who do not have hope. We do have hope. This hope that Caylee reminded us of.” 

Dugger’s life is a perfect example of how Christians should live before meeting Jesus in heaven. She dedicated her life to God and was always eager to share the gospel with those around her.

Heaven was at the forefront of her mind only hours before her passing and, as she stepped from this life into heaven, she was already awaiting the glorious presence of Jesus in the throne room. {eoa}

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Shelby Bowen is an assistant editor for Charisma Media.