Connor Barba’s mother had surprised him with tickets to a Monday Night Football game to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—a special gift for his upcoming birthday.

Megan Barnett and her son, Connor Barba were on their way to Kansas City for a thrilling night of sport. But tragically, their journey took a devastating turn when they were involved in a head-on collision.

Meanwhile, Megan wanted to see the Chiefs play. Colin speculated her reason may be motivated by the Taylor Swift connection as the pop singer is dating Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce.

The excited pair left their home in Norman, Oklahoma for Arrowhead Stadium but tragically, they never reached the game. Just before 4:00 p.m., while driving on a narrow, two-lane road, a Chevy Camaro crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with their Hyundai SUV.

As per Kansas State Police, Connor, who was behind the wheel, attempted to avoid the impact by swerving right and braking hard. His actions, however, meant he absorbed the full force of the collision from the Camaro.

Family members are devastated by the loss of Connor and they also worry about Megan. Colin mourned the incredible young man they had lost, “He was an outstanding young man. He had a lot of light. He had an incredible amount of joy and an incredible smile. He loved to laugh and joke.”

Connor had graduated college last May and was working towards his future. Colin revealed, “He was a very hard worker. He embraced that and was proud of that, and he was on his way to trade school to find a career on that path. He had just moved into his own apartment, with a roommate, following high school.”

Colin added that Connor generally loved football but was a “big time Baker fan.” A spokesperson of the Buccaneers shared that Baker and his wife plan to contact Connor’s family. They would also donate $10,000 to help cater for the memorial fees and medical bills.

Baker, who is in his second season at Buccaneers, noted, “My thoughts and prayers go out to Megan and her family as they deal with this heartbreaking loss. I am honored and humbled knowing that Connor was such a big fan. I would have loved to have met him.”

Now, friends and family are rallying to stand by Megan, who faces not only the immense emotional weight of loss but also significant financial burdens for medical bills and funeral expenses.

They have opened a GoFundMe account where contributions no matter the size, can be sent. The well-wishers have raised over $100,000.

Colin said the family appreciates the support and compassion they have gotten so far during this heartbreaking time. Aside from his mom and uncle, Connor has left behind his sister, father, stepmother, and two stepsiblings, all of whom he adored.