The Cary, NC, community is reeling after the heartbreaking loss of Lena Jaber, a 15-year-old student at Green Hope High School, who tragically passed away following a car accident on December 5th, 2025. Lena, who was a passenger in the vehicle, did not survive the devastating crash, leaving her family and friends to cope with the unimaginable grief.
Lena was remembered as a beautiful, smart, and funny young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Friends and family have expressed shock and deep sorrow over her sudden and untimely death. Among the many who are grieving is Lena’s mother, Erica Jaber, a single mom and small business owner who now faces the unimaginable challenge of navigating the loss of her daughter while managing her life as a businesswoman and parent.
Jessi Johnson, a close friend of Erica, shared the tragic news with the community through a heartfelt post on social media. “As some of you know, our friend Erica Jaber is going through the unimaginable,” Johnson wrote. “Her beautiful, smart, and funny 15-year-old daughter was a passenger in a horrific car accident yesterday, and tragically didn’t survive. We need to lift up Erica and support her during this horrible time.”
The post continued with a call for support for Erica, who works as a hairstylist and studio owner. “As a hairstylist and studio owner like myself, she doesn’t get paid if she isn’t behind her chair,” Johnson explained. “She has bills and her son to continue to support. Worrying about finances should be the least of her worries during a time like this. Please support her in any way possible, and please share!”
Erica, like many in the hairstyling industry, works on a freelance basis, meaning if she isn’t able to work, she doesn’t earn an income. This financial instability is especially daunting during a time of such profound personal loss, and friends have rallied together to help alleviate the burden. Johnson’s message struck a chord, prompting many in the community to come forward and offer their assistance.
Erica’s salon family has come together to launch a fundraising campaign to help cover her immediate financial needs. The goal is to raise enough money so that Erica can focus on grieving and healing without the added stress of worrying about bills, rent, or other expenses. “We would love to raise enough money so Erica doesn’t need to stress about bills and paying rent. We’re all hairstylists, so we’re in the world of if we don’t work, we don’t get paid,” Johnson shared in a follow-up post.
The response from the community has been overwhelming. Many who know Erica describe her as a person who would give her last dime or the shirt off her back to help anyone in need, whether they are human or animal. This generosity has only amplified the desire to support her during such an incredibly difficult time. “Erica is the kind of person who would give her shirt off her back to support any human or animal who needed it,” Johnson wrote. “Let’s show her the love she deserves.”
As the holiday season approaches, Erica’s loved ones hope to raise enough money to help lift some of the burdens she faces, allowing her to take the time she needs to grieve the loss of her precious daughter, Lena. The community’s response is a testament to the power of compassion and solidarity during times of unimaginable tragedy.
In the wake of Lena’s death, support continues to pour in from those who knew her, her family, and those who have heard her story. Local residents, friends, and even strangers have come together to offer comfort and assistance in any way they can, proving that in times of tragedy, a community can come together to provide strength, love, and hope.
Anyone who wishes to contribute to the fundraising effort or offer support to Erica Jaber during this devastating time can find more details through local community pages and fundraisers organized by friends and supporters.