The Thomaston, Georgia, community is mourning the untimely death of a beloved native and standout multi-sports athlete, Jaxon Skelton.
12-year-old Jaxon Skelton succumbed to injuries sustained in a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred on Tuesday afternoon, January 6, 2026, on Highway 74 West near the Upson County line in Pike County, Georgia.
According to reports, Pike County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the crash at approximately 2:50 p.m., where a Ford truck had left the roadway and struck a tree.
Jaxon Skelton, a sixth-grade student and youth athlete at Upson-Lee Middle School, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Likewise, his brother recent Upson-Lee High School graduate and football player, Jayden Skelton, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a trauma center in Macon for critical care.
Authorities indicated that the deceased passenger, Jaxon (Jackson) Skelton, known to teammates as “Jax Jax,” may have been ejected during the collision.
Jayden, a wide receiver and defensive back, had recently signed with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) along with Knights linebacker Malachi Character on National Signing Day, and both were scheduled to report to UAB soon.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Social Media is Filled With Heartfelt Tributes To Late Jaxon Skelton
The untimely death of Jaxon Skelton has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Born on November 15, 2013, to parents Javon Skelton and Tee Thompson, Jaxon touched the lives of many with his amazing athletic skills, excelling in both basketball and football, and his kind and cheerful nature.
Jaxon’s love for sports was immense. Wearing jersey #19, he played football with passion and led his team in several victories.
Many of his loved ones are sharing Jaxon’s memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
ULMS took to its official social media to pay tribute to beloved student-athlete Jaxon and wrote:
“Jaxon Skelton will be remembered by his classmates and teachers as an all- around great boy! He had a contagious personality and was always a joy to be around. A lover of the sport of football, he has been known to not only play but also to “coach” his peers during free time. He loved calling plays and executing them. He will be greatly missed.”
One wrote:
“Jax- smart, athletic, fun, cool, handsome, a leader, friendly….. the total package! He was destined for greatness! God blessed me with the opportunity to teach him, then loop with his class and teach him a second year! I loved him and his classmates like they were mine! He begged me to throw a football with him daily at recess- and i am so thankful for those moments. I remember him rallying everyone together at recess for organized football games, huddles and all! He was always quarterback and could throw the football down the field. I used to tell him to go ahead and give me his autograph before I would have to pay for it! He was a star! We also had fun dance breaks during the day! He had moves! Man, was he cool! He was so smart and loved learning. His smile would make your day! My heart is shattered for his parents, family and his precious friends…. And he had lots of friends! 😢 I’m broken myself! I know he is with Jesus. May God bring comfort to all through this heavy time! Praying constantly for his brother. 🙏 I love you sweet Jaxon! I always will!”
Betsy Love Stewart
In addition to his parents, Tee Thompson and Javon Skelton, Jaxon Skelton is survived by his brother, Jayden, who is currently recovering from the injuries, his sister, his beloved grandmother, Martha, numerous cousins, and the entire family.
Jaxon’s family has organized a public viewing on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at Shady Grove Baptist Church, 414 West Moore Crossing Road, Thomaston, Georgia.
His 4th quarter will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 2:30 PM at the Thomaston Civic Center, 101 Civic Center Dr, Thomaston, Georgia 30286.
Jaxon’s contagious smile and his athletic journey will always be remembered by his loved ones.
