One year after the tragic accident on Highway 80

SMITHS STATION, Alabama (WTVM) – One year ago, communities in East Alabama and Columbus were shocked and saddened by the news that a mother, father and son had died in a car crash in Russell County.

Ami and Jimmy Napier Jr. and their son Hudson are still remembered by friends, family and their surviving 5-year-old Grayson, known by many as “G.”

The Napier family tells News Leader 9 that after losing Jimmy Jr., Ami and Hudson, their lives have changed in ways they never imagined.

However, the Napiers, blood related or not, are closer than ever. At little Grayson's baseball practice on Monday night, it's clear that this family will continue to be a baseball family.

Grayson Napier now does donuts with his quad and then goes straight onto the field.

A year ago, Grayson suffered numerous broken bones, cuts and bruises on his body in a serious car accident on Highway 80 in Russell County.

“All of his injuries have healed,” said Krystal Napier, Grayson's great aunt. “We're still checking his legs. He keeps saying that one of them is 'a little beat up, but not bad, Aunt Krystal.'”

The Napiers were on their way to baseball practice in Phenix City when the tragedy struck. Napier says the trio will be truly missed.

“I miss them at Sunday dinner. If we could just have Sunday dinner one more time, that would be great, because I miss Ami helping me cook and her ideas, Jimmy asking, 'Are you cooking macaroni and cheese?' because that was his thing, and Hudson, of course, asking for macaroni and cheese,” Napier recalled.

She tells us that there were many ups and downs and difficult times like birthdays and holidays, but that they got through it all together as a family.

“G” is aware of what happened to his parents and his brother; their legacy continues to accompany him.

“We have their ashes, we have planted trees for them. He talks about them every day. Not a day goes by that he doesn't talk about them,” Napier said.

Napier says Grayson constantly reminds her of Jimmy, Ami and Hudson.

“He's the perfect half of Ami and little Jimmy,” she said. “And sometimes when he's talking or in another room and I hear him, I hear Huddy. Sometimes it's very surreal.”

Grayson started kindergarten this year and will hopefully follow in his brother and father's footsteps this baseball season.

“We just hope to show Napier's strength, to be a good person, to think positive and just be as happy as we can be,” Napier said.

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