Wilson Antonio Broadway Jr. and Young Son Ja’Miaz Robinson Broadway Remembered After Tragic Crash in Monroe, NC
MONROE, NC — A wave of sorrow has swept through the Monroe community following a heartbreaking accident that claimed the lives of 38-year-old Wilson Antonio Broadway Jr. and his 4-year-old son, Ja’Miaz Robinson Broadway, on the afternoon of June 6, 2025. The tragic event occurred near the intersection of East Franklin Street and Morgan Mill Road—a busy stretch of road that, within moments, transformed from a routine traffic zone to the site of a devastating scene.
According to local emergency response teams, the crash occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m., drawing rapid attention from fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies across Union County. What responders encountered upon arrival was a vehicle engulfed in flames following a high-speed collision. Despite immediate efforts to contain the fire and extract the occupants, both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene.
A Father’s Love and a Son’s Light
Wilson Antonio Broadway Jr. was known in his community not just as a hardworking individual, but as a devoted father who cherished every moment with his son. To friends and family, his love for Ja’Miaz was evident in everything he did—from weekend outings and bedtime stories to proudly sharing photos and milestones with anyone willing to listen. Their bond was unbreakable, a connection filled with warmth, laughter, and joy.
Ja’Miaz Robinson Broadway, just 4 years old, was described by family as a bright and curious child, full of energy and wonder. He was just beginning to form his view of the world, delighting in cartoons, playgrounds, and the simple joy of spending time with his father. To those who knew him, his smile had a way of lighting up any room, and his spirit will be remembered as endlessly pure and joyful.
The Crash: What We Know So Far
While the exact details of the crash are still under investigation by the Monroe Police Department, preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle Wilson was driving was traveling at a high rate of speed before losing control and crashing near the busy intersection. The impact was so intense that it triggered a fire, which quickly engulfed the vehicle.
Emergency crews responded within minutes, but the ferocity of the flames limited their ability to rescue the victims in time. Firefighters worked swiftly to extinguish the blaze, while officers redirected traffic and secured the scene for further analysis.
Law enforcement officials have stated that their Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is actively reviewing all evidence, including vehicle telemetry data, eyewitness accounts, and nearby surveillance footage. Their goal is to determine the chain of events that led to the crash and to provide the family with a full and transparent account of what occurred.
There is no indication at this time that any other vehicles were involved, and investigators are treating the event as a tragic single-vehicle collision.
Community in Mourning
The loss of Wilson and Ja’Miaz has left a deep and painful wound in the Monroe community. What began as a typical Friday afternoon quickly spiraled into an evening of unimaginable grief for family, friends, and neighbors who are now faced with the absence of two lives taken far too soon.
Across social media, tributes have poured in. Friends of Wilson describe him as someone who loved deeply, worked hard, and always prioritized his son above all else. “He was the kind of father who showed up for everything,” one friend shared. “From school events to doctor visits—he was always there for his son.”
Family members of Ja’Miaz posted photos and messages in his honor, remembering him as a joyful child whose love for bubbles, snacks, and bedtime stories brought happiness to everyone around him. “He was our sunshine,” said one relative. “Just four years old, but somehow wise beyond his years.”
Candlelight Vigils and Community Support
In the days that followed, the Monroe community rallied in a powerful display of support. A candlelight vigil was organized at a local park, where dozens gathered to light candles, release balloons, and share stories of Wilson and Ja’Miaz. The atmosphere was both somber and healing—tears mixed with embraces, and grief met with community unity.
Local clergy led prayers and offered words of comfort, while a children’s choir sang softly in the background. Photos of the father and son stood framed by flickering candles and flowers, a poignant reminder of two lives that left a lasting impact.
Multiple churches across Union County have opened their doors to grieving family members, offering spiritual support, counseling, and memorial services. The outpouring of compassion from community organizations has been remarkable, reflecting how deeply loved and respected both Wilson and Ja’Miaz were.
A Family Leaning on Faith
The family, while devastated, has drawn strength from their faith and the overwhelming support around them. In a brief public statement shared by a family representative, they expressed heartfelt thanks to the emergency responders who tried to save their loved ones, as well as to the community for its kindness.
“We are leaning on our faith and each other,” the statement read. “The pain we are feeling is indescribable, but so is the love we are receiving. Wilson was a proud father, and Ja’Miaz was the joy of our family. We will carry them in our hearts forever.”
The family has requested privacy as they grieve, but have invited those who wish to honor Wilson and Ja’Miaz to share acts of kindness in their memory—whether that’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply taking time to cherish loved ones.
Safety and Public Response
In the wake of the crash, local officials have urged all drivers to be extra vigilant, particularly around high-traffic areas like East Franklin Street and Morgan Mill Road. Although speed has been preliminarily identified as a factor, investigators are reminding the public to allow the full review process to unfold before drawing conclusions.
Monroe Police have promised full transparency as more information becomes available and have called this incident “one of the most devastating single-vehicle collisions the city has seen in years.”
Transportation advocates are also using the tragedy to call for improvements to road design, traffic enforcement, and public awareness campaigns—stressing that even a moment of inattention or a few miles over the speed limit can lead to irreversible consequences.
Honoring Their Memory Through Action
Friends and loved ones are exploring ways to turn tragedy into purpose. Early plans include a scholarship fund in Ja’Miaz’s name to support early childhood education programs, and a fatherhood mentoring initiative to honor Wilson’s legacy of involved parenting.
“These two souls were full of light,” said one family friend. “And we want that light to continue shining. If we can help just one father spend more time with his child, or one child find joy in learning, then their legacy lives on.”
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to support funeral expenses and help the family through this time of need. Within hours, donations began pouring in—from neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and even strangers moved by the story.
A Final Goodbye
Funeral arrangements are currently underway, with services expected to be held in Monroe next week. The ceremony will celebrate not only the lives lost, but the powerful bond between a father and son whose love knew no bounds.
Family members have shared that the service will include favorite songs, poems, and tributes from those who knew Wilson and Ja’Miaz best. There will also be a special moment of reflection for children in attendance, designed to help young mourners process the loss and honor their own emotions.
Final Reflections: The Bond That Endures
There is no way to prepare for a tragedy like this—no words that can undo the pain or restore what has been taken. But in the face of loss, the Monroe community has chosen to honor Wilson Antonio Broadway Jr. and Ja’Miaz Robinson Broadway not just with mourning, but with remembrance, compassion, and action.
Their story is one of profound love—a father devoted entirely to his child, and a son whose brief life touched so many. Though their time on earth was far too short, the impact they made will echo far beyond their years.
As the community comes together to grieve, to remember, and eventually to heal, the names Wilson and Ja’Miaz will remain symbols of love, family, and the preciousness of every moment we are given.
