Grieving mom's heartbreaking first words after waking up in ICU after accident that killed her son

A mother who tragically lost her son in a car accident while they were en route to a Kansas City Chiefs football game has shared the harrowing first words she uttered upon regaining consciousness in the intensive care unit.

Megan Barnett, 41, and her son, Connor Barba, from Oklahoma, were headed to the game to celebrate his 18th birthday, marking their first trip together in years, when a devastating collision occurred resulting in Connor’s untimely death.

Having little recollection of the incident, Megan woke up in the ICU consumed by thoughts of her son, though she couldn’t shake the ominous feeling that something dreadful had transpired.

‘I was in my room, and I don’t remember who I asked, but I just said, “Connor didn’t make it, did he?”‘ Barnett said. 

The sickening reality means she is now without her only child after he died at the scene of the crash.

Barnett says she is still coming to terms with what happened and relying on family, friends and faith to pull her through.

‘It’s unfair, in my opinion, but I’m not going to argue God’s plan. God had a plan for Connor, and I can’t be mad at it,’ Barnett said through tears to KOCO. ‘I can’t be mad. Can’t be angry. I know where he is, and to me, that is all that matters,’ Barnett said.

‘He had that big, huge bright smile that lit up a room. He was a genuine and kind person that would go out of his way to help anybody.’ 

Mom, Megan Barnett, woke up in the ICU after a head-on crash, and asked, "Connor didn't make it, did he?"' she revealed

Mom, Megan Barnett, woke up in the ICU after a head-on crash, and asked, “Connor didn’t make it, did he?”‘ she revealed

The pair had been on their way to a Kansas City Chiefs game after Barnett surprised her son with tickets for his 18th birthday

The pair had been on their way to a Kansas City Chiefs game after Barnett surprised her son with tickets for his 18th birthday

Connor Barba, 18, of Norman, was driving with his mother Megan Barnett, 41, to Kansas City for a football game when Joseph Savage, 45, crashed into their car in a head-on collision

Connor Barba, 18, of Norman, was driving with his mother Megan Barnett, 41, to Kansas City for a football game when Joseph Savage, 45, crashed into their car in a head-on collision

Aside from the mental anguish Barnett is healing from a host of physical injuries including a broken foot, vertebra, ribs, sternum, collar bone and in her face.

She was finally allowed to return home after spending three weeks in the ICU and several surgeries.

‘[Our day out] was supposed to be super fun, super great. We talked about it every single day. He was on countdown. He was ready to go. “Where are we staying? What are we doing? Have you picked out a place to eat?” He was so excited,’ Barnett said. 

‘The last thing I remember is him putting his bag from his truck here into my car. I don’t remember any of it,’ she explained. 

The deadly crash occurred on a small country two-lane road when a car coming in the opposite direction crossed over the center line slammed head-on into the car Connor and his mother were traveling in. 

Connor along with the other driver, Joseph Savage, 45, of Coffeyville, Kansas both died at the scene.     

Connor’s uncle Colin said the teen boy who was driving at the time swerved to avoid Savage’s vehicle and slammed on the brakes, causing his side to take the brunt end of the impact. 

Colin credits his nephew’s quick thinking as the reason his mom survived. 

Aside from the mental anguish Barnett, 41, is healing from a host of physical injuries including a broken foot, vertebra, ribs, sternum, collar bone and in her face

Aside from the mental anguish Barnett, 41, is healing from a host of physical injuries including a broken foot, vertebra, ribs, sternum, collar bone and in her face

Connor, with his dad, was remembered as an 'outstanding young man' who had a 'lot of light'

Connor, with his dad, was remembered as an ‘outstanding young man’ who had a ‘lot of light’

Following the crash, the next thing Barnett remembered was waking up in intensive care unit in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A GoFundMe set up for the family has raised more than $133,000. 

‘I don’t know if I have the words to express my gratitude for people, for people I don’t even know,’ Barnett said. 

Colin said he will remember Barba as an ‘outstanding young man’ who had a ‘lot of light.’ 

‘He had an incredible amount of joy and an incredible smile,’ he told KOCO. ‘Especially for his age, he was incredibly mature and respectful.’ 

Barba’s father also took to Facebook to post several photos of his son since his passing, writing in a post: ‘He had the hugest heart of anyone I have ever known! Love you Connor Barba!!’ 

You May Also Like
American college student Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance in Dominican Republic: timeline

American Woman Missing in Dominican Republic: One Week Gone, No Leads in Search for Sudiksha Konanki

In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, efforts to locate Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old…
'ICE' cold Tom Homan calmly eats apple in face of enraged pro-illegal immigration protesters

Tom Homan stays calm while eating an apple as angry supporters of illegal immigration protest fiercely against him in a chilly environment.

Cold as ICE. Disorderly incidents occurred at the New York state Capitol…
‘Severance’ Season 2, Episode 9: 5 Things You May Have Missed, From “Devour Feculence” To A ‘Twilight Zone’ Reference

Uncovered Details in ‘Severance’ Season 2, Episode 9: From “Devour Feculence” to a Nod to ‘Twilight Zone’

Spoilers for Severance Season 2, Episode 9 ahead. After forming an unlikely…
Guinness Open Gate Brewery in West Loop, Chicago shares Irish breakfast recipe ahead of St. Patrick's Day 2025

Learn how to make Irish breakfast from Guinness Open Gate Brewery in West Loop, Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day 2025

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago goes green this weekend, as the city celebrates…
Simu Liu hosts 'Got To Get Out,' where $1 million in prizes are at stake

Simu Liu hosts a thrilling competition show with $1 million in prizes up for grabs

Simu Liu is now the host of the new reality competition show…
DHS agents search two students' rooms at Columbia University, leaving interim president 'heartbroken'

DHS agents search the rooms of two students at Columbia University, causing sadness to the interim president

Homeland Security agents recently conducted searches in the rooms of two students…
US tourist who enraged the world after manhandling a baby wombat flees Australia

American tourist who upset many people by mistreating a baby wombat escapes from Australia

EXCLUSIVE  The American tourist who manhandled a baby wombat and enraged the…
Hamas agrees to release Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage

Hamas to free Edan Alexander, the final American hostage

Hamas agreed Friday to release Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage…
Ross Mathews Scolds Drew Barrymore For Not Showering After An Ocean Swim: “Have You Heard Where They Drain The Sewage?!”

Ross Mathews scolds Drew Barrymore for not showering after swimming in the ocean, expressing concern about the sewage drainage in the area.

Ross Mathews was utterly stunned to hear that his bestie Drew Barrymore…
New Shows & Movies To Watch This Weekend: Netflix’s ‘The Electric State’ & More

Exciting New Shows and Movies for Your Weekend: Check Out Netflix’s ‘The Electric State’ and More!

This is one of those weeks where there’s almost TOO much great…
American Airlines Flight 1006 diverted to Denver International Airport, airplane engine catches fire after landing, FAA says

American Airlines Flight 1006 forced to land at Denver International Airport due to engine fire, as reported by FAA

DENVER — An American Airlines plane caught fire at Denver International Airport…
Fascinating truth about town dubbed fast food capital of US... yet boasts highest life expectancy in country

Interesting fact about the city known as the fast food capital of the US but has the highest life expectancy in the nation

It has been dubbed the fast food capital of America, with residents spending more…