A 17-year-old student from Calvary Baptist Academy, Elana Franks, was critically injured and then passed away in a severe car crash on January 7 while riding as a passenger in Fern Avenue.
Elana was also a standout senior softball player at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, who helped her team win four state championships.
Highlights
- Elana Franks, who was unresponsive at the scene, needed more help to be safely removed from the car.
- The family spokesperson announced that Elana’s injuries were too severe and she would not survive as her head had massive swelling.
- Her parents, Greg and Lisa, took comfort in knowing that Elana had chosen to be an organ donor.
On April 29, 2023, she had a .500 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage that earned her two hits in the team’s 13-3 win against D’Arbonne Woods.
Elena also played well in multiple tournament games, including an 11-0 win over Houma Christian and a 14-1 victory over Holy Savior Menard.
According to Tiffany Wood, the head softball coach, Elana’s kind personality made her shine off the field.
Elana Franks Received Honor Walk As She Decided To Donate Her Organ After Her Demise
Authorities reported that the crash involved a Chevrolet Camaro and a GMC Yukon.
The driver and passenger of the GMC Yukon suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and were taken to a nearby hospital for further care.
The Yukon driver said she saw the Camaro approaching her quickly. She tried to shift her vehicle into the park but accidentally put it into neutral.
As the Camaro swerved into the center lane, its passenger-side door hit the front of the Yukon, causing the Yukon to roll off the road.
Bystanders and first responders rescued the driver of the Camaro.
However, the young passenger, Elana Franks, who was unresponsive at the scene, needed more help to be safely removed from the car.
Both were taken to a nearby Ochsner LSU Health, with the passenger suffering from severe, life-threatening injuries.
By January 8, the family spokesperson announced that Elana’s injuries were too severe and she would not survive as her head had massive swelling.
Calvary Baptist Superintendent Chad McDowell, who also spoke on behalf of the family, shared that despite the heartbreaking news, the family took comfort in knowing that Elana had chosen to be an organ donor.
Her parents, Greg and Lisa, had made this decision public after the tragedy.
Well, Elana’s father, Greg, is the co-owner of Bayou Wheel Paint and Body.
Before this, he worked as a Parts Sales Manager at John Harvey Toyota.
Let’s enjoy a clip of Elana Franks in her element. This is a homer she hit during @CalvaryCavs softball’s state championship run last season. #318preps pic.twitter.com/0F6WFegN3k
— 318preps (@318preps) January 8, 2025
There was an Honor Walk at Ochsner’s on the evening of 8 January to celebrate Elana’s life and her choice to donate organs.
With a heavy heart and deep sadness, we share that Elana Franks will not survive her injuries. While this news is heartbreaking, we take comfort in knowing that Elena was an organ donor, as her parents, Greg and Lisa, have so graciously shared. To honor Elana’s life and her decision to give the gift of life, there will be an Honor Walk this evening at Ochsner’s. The time is still being finalized, but we will share the details as soon as we have them—likely within the next hour. Mom is asking anyone and everyone who would be so kind to honor Elana’s life to be a part of this Honor Walk. We will line the walls of the hall as they transport Elana from her ICU room to harvest her organs. Additionally, there will be an honorary flag raising at the hospital in her memory immediately following.
Chad McDowell
We invite all family, friends, and the incredible community who want to participate, to join us in this meaningful moment of remembrance. Please continue to pray for Greg, Lisa, Braden, and the entire family during this incredibly difficult time.
Elana’s mom has requested that anyone who wishes to honor her daughter’s legacy join the walk.
People lined up the halls as Elana was moved from her ICU room to the operating area for the organ donation process.
Afterward, a special flag was raised at the hospital to remember her.
The family has asked that only close family members visit the hospital at this time, and they continue to request prayers for Elana’s recovery.
Additional Information
- Elana Franks grew up alongside her two brothers, Jaxon, who attends North DeSoto High School, and Braden, who works at Jack Spring Electrical Contractors, Inc.
- The older brother, Braden, thanked everyone who offered support and prayers during this difficult time.
- He confirmed the heartbreaking news that his sister had passed away and said that his heart felt broken by the loss and that he would have swapped places with her if he could.
