At just 20 years of age, rising football star Gavin Cornia saw his life cruelly snuffed out in a sudden car accident. His wife, Katie Cornia, survived but lies critically injured in the ICU, battling multiple injuries.
Gavin and Katie were married for just seven months. Their time was barely enough for him to start with the love of his life, building dreams, and setting plans together, when an ordinary Wednesday turned everything upside down. So hard to even be talked about, but the very fact that it happened being someone so young gives great pain, and with Katie being in the ICU, it feels that much heavier.
He is survived by his wife Katie, parents Samantha Engman Cornia and Nate Cornia, and five siblings, as well as his beloved sister-in-law Britney Petersen and a dear extended family.
Katie’s condition remains precarious. After the evening surgery for her broken femur, doctors discovered the following day that her humerus bone was also broken. She underwent another surgery on November 28, 2025. Katie also has to deal with a neck fracture at C2, cracked ribs, a broken shoulder blade, bruised lungs, burns, and cuts all over her body. After being released from the hospital, she is expected to go to a rehab facility for several weeks.
The mounting bills have overshadowed an already costly recovery, and the prognosis continues to climb. To pay for the hospital bills, surgeries, funeral costs, and to give Katie some assistance in rebuilding her life without her recently wed husband, Katie’s sister Britney, set up a GoFundMe entitled “Help Katie Recover and Honor Gavin’s Memory.”
Remembered as an all-around nice kid, Gavin left a mark on nearly all the lives he encountered. In school, he and another boy by the name of Gavin were called the “two Gavins” across the basketball and football teams, where they played together for years. Friends and family describe him as a talented athlete and truly caring.
His friend Gavin’s mother, Heather Skousen Doney, expressed her sorrow:
Having so much to be grateful for, my heart is equally breaking for my friends as they mourn the loss of their son, nephew, grandson, and brother. Gavin Cornia has been one of my Gavin’s buddies since middle school. They were known as the double “Gavins” on every team they played together in basketball and football. He was amazing in sports and the kindest young man you will ever meet.
At this time, the details regarding Gavin’s funeral and memorial services have not been shared due to the family’s grieving period. You may also be interested in: From Tragedy to Thanksgiving Miracle: Francesco Allocca Survives Cardiac Arrest
At this time, a tragedy permeates the lives of Gavin’s wife, parents, siblings, friends, teammates, and extended family. In solidarity with all those who loved Gavin, we all pray for Katie’s recovery.
Rest in peace, Gavin Cornia.
