Breaking: Distracted Driver Strikes 72-years Old Woman – Victim Identified as Mother of American Idol Star Jamal Roberts
A quiet afternoon in Dublin, Georgia turned into breaking news on Monday when a 72-year-old woman was hit by a car after the driver allegedly ran a red light while looking at his phone.
What first seemed like an ordinary traffic accident made national headlines when the pedestrian was identified as Marie Roberts, the mother of American Idol winner Jamal Roberts.
The Accident: Panic at the Intersection
Emergency services rushed to Jefferson Street and Bellevue Avenue around 3:15 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reported that a sedan had blown through a red light, striking a pedestrian who was crossing legally with her family.
Witnesses described the moment as horrifying.
“Everyone screamed — it looked awful. The car hit her hard,” said Maria Ellis, a bystander. “But then she sat up on her own, and we all cried from relief. It felt like a miracle.”
Police confirmed the driver — a 26-year-old man whose name has not been released — remained at the scene and fully cooperated. Authorities stated he was on his phone when he missed the signal.
The car suffered heavy front-end damage and was towed away. Investigators have said charges are pending, with distracted driving cited as the main cause.
A National Connection: Jamal Roberts’ Mother Injured
News of the victim’s identity spread rapidly after it was confirmed that the woman struck was Marie Roberts, the mother of 2023 American Idol champion Jamal Roberts.
Jamal, currently on tour in Los Angeles, was notified immediately and is reportedly flying back to Georgia to be with his family.
He posted a heartfelt update on social media late Monday:
“Thank you all for your prayers. My mom is one of the strongest people I know. She’s bruised, but she’s smiling. I’m just grateful today didn’t end differently.”
Medical Update: Minor Injuries and a Fast Recovery Expected
Paramedics who treated Marie Roberts on-site said her survival with only minor injuries was remarkable. She was taken to Fairview Park Hospital, where doctors reported she had bruises, scrapes, and mild shock, but no broken bones.
“She’s very lucky,” said Dr. Elaine Morris, a trauma physician. “For someone her age, an impact like this could have been catastrophic. Thanks to her quick reflexes and the rapid medical response, she’s going to recover.”
Doctors expect her to be discharged in 2–3 days.
The Roberts Family Speaks Out
Through Jamal’s publicist, the Roberts family released a brief statement:
“We are deeply grateful for the love and concern shown. This was a frightening event, but Marie is healing and surrounded by loved ones. We thank the bystanders, first responders, and hospital staff for their quick action. Please respect our privacy as we focus on her recovery.”
Driver Could Face Charges
Police confirmed the driver was using a handheld device when the crash occurred.
“This is exactly why distracted driving laws exist,” said Sergeant Alex Porter of the Dublin Police Department. “One second of inattention could have ended in tragedy. Thankfully, the victim will recover.”
Authorities are reviewing traffic camera footage and witness statements to determine if additional charges, including reckless endangerment, will be filed.
A Warning on Distracted Driving
The incident has reignited debate in Georgia over phone use behind the wheel.
State officials say that in the past year, more than 30% of traffic accidents in Georgia were linked to distracted driving — with cell phones as the leading cause.
A Beloved Figure in the Community
In Dublin, Marie Roberts is known not just as Jamal’s mother but as a devoted community member. She volunteers at local schools and churches and is loved for her kindness.
“She’s the sweetest person,” said Linda Humphrey, a neighbor. “Always asking about your family, always baking cookies for the kids. She didn’t deserve this — no one does.”
Residents are planning a candlelight prayer gathering outside the hospital on Tuesday evening to support her recovery.
Jamal Roberts: Putting Family First
Jamal, whose soulful voice and heartfelt story captured the country during his American Idol run, has long credited his mother for his success.
In his winning performance, he famously dedicated “A Song for Mama” to her, bringing her to tears in the audience.
Though his team has not yet announced any tour cancellations, Jamal is expected to pause his schedule this week to stay by his mother’s side.
Fans have already flooded his social media with thousands of messages of love and encouragement.
Final Thoughts
What could have been a devastating tragedy has become a powerful reminder about the dangers of distracted driving — and the fragility of life.
Marie Roberts’ survival is being called a miracle by those who saw the accident. Her strength, the fast work of emergency crews, and the outpouring of community support all underscore the bond between a mother and son — and the power of hope in the face of fear.
As Jamal Roberts wrote:
“She’s the heart of everything I do.”
Let this incident be a wake-up call to every driver: put the phone down — someone’s mother is crossing the street.