With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, we honor the life of Gavin Cornia, whose bright future and newlywed joy were tragically cut short in a devastating two-car collision in Bluffdale on November 26th. The crash, occurring just one day before Thanksgiving, took Gavin’s life and left his wife, Katie Cornia, critically injured. The heartbreak of this tragedy has rippled far beyond their immediate circle, touching communities across Utah, Texas, and the broader college football world — including BYU and Texas Tech fans who have united in support of Katie during her long road to recovery.
Gavin is remembered as a loving husband, a devoted family member, and a man of kindness, warmth, and unwavering loyalty. Those who knew him speak of his joyful spirit, his deep love for Katie, and the optimism he brought into every room he entered. Gavin and Katie, newly married and full of hope for the future, shared a bond built on love, faith, and the excitement of building a life together. His loss is immeasurable, and the pain felt by his family and friends is profound.
In the aftermath of the crash, Katie fought for her life with extraordinary strength. She suffered severe injuries — including a broken femur and humerus, a fractured C2 vertebra, broken ribs, bruised lungs, a fractured scapula, and extensive burns and bruising. Despite these devastating injuries, Katie has shown remarkable resilience. After nearly a week in the ICU, she was released and moved into a rehabilitation facility, a milestone that offers her the chance to attend Gavin’s funeral and say the goodbye her heart so deeply needs.
Her family shares that throughout her painful recovery, Katie has drawn strength from Gavin’s memory, often repeating the words that keep her moving forward:
“I can do this for Gavin.”
The community’s response has been overwhelming. Friends, family, BYU supporters, Texas Tech fans, and countless strangers have come together in compassion, offering prayers, donations, and messages of love. A GoFundMe created by Katie’s sister is helping the family navigate mounting medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation needs, and funeral costs — a reflection of how many lives have been touched by this beautiful couple.
As we mourn Gavin’s passing, we also hold tight to the courage Katie continues to show. This tragedy has shattered hearts, yet it has also revealed the incredible power of community, faith, and love.
Rest in peace, Gavin Cornia.
Your life was a gift, your love a blessing, and your memory a source of strength for all who knew you.
To Katie and the Cornia families, may comfort surround you, healing find you, and may Gavin’s love guide you through every step ahead.