A horrific automobile accident took the life of footballer Gavin Cornia at age 20 on November 26, 2025. His wife, Katie Cornia, is alive, but she is in the ICU and in critical condition, with life-threatening injuries.
Gavin was a young man in his early twenties, just married, just beginning a life with one he loved. To lose someone so young is gut-wrenching, and with Katie being in the ICU, it’s that much worse.
He is survived by his wife Katie, parents Samantha Engman Cornia and Nate Cornia, and five siblings. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Britney Petersen, and an even wider family.
Katie’s injuries are critical. Doctors operated to set her broken femur on the night of the accident; on the following day, they found that she also had a broken humerus. She underwent yet another surgery on November 28, 2025. She also has a severe neck fracture at C2, cracked ribs, a broken scapula, bruised lungs, burns, and cuts all over her body.
When she leaves the hospital, Katie will be taken to a rehabilitation center for several weeks of recovery. Medical bills are already astronomical and will continue to grow. To help with this, Katie’s sister, Britney, has established a GoFundMe site titled “Help Katie Recover and Honor Gavin’s Memory.” The funds will go toward surgeries, hospital bills, funeral costs, and Katie’s future as she endeavors to piece together her life without her husband.
Gavin was known for his kind heart and his ability to uplift everyone around him. At school, he and another boy named Gavin were stuck with the moniker “the two Gavins” for every basketball and football team they played together on. They had been friends for years, and everyone remembers him for his sports talents and friendliness.
A tribute from Heather Skousen Doney, the mother of his friend, embodies his spirit:
I have so much to be grateful for. And at the same time, my heart is 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 the double “Gavins” on every team they played together in basketball and football. He was amazing at sports and the kindest young man you will ever meet. You may also be interested in: Locust Valley Basketball Player Francesco Allocca Survives Cardiac Arrest at Tryouts
The family has yet to share details regarding Gavin’s funeral and memorial as they go through the grieving process for this sudden loss.
It is a heartbreaking time for Gavin’s wife, parents, siblings, friends, teammates, and extended family. We pray for strength for them in the days to come.
Rest in Peace, Gavin Cornia.
