In the early hours of Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Bryant University community and families across multiple states were stunned by news of a devastating wrong-way crash in Lincoln, Rhode Island, that claimed the lives of two beloved students and a third individual.
The Rhode Island State Police responded after multiple 911 calls around 12:27 a.m. reporting a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on highways in the Smithfield-Lincoln area before a high-speed head-on collision occurred on Route 146 North near Route 116.
Investigators later determined that a Ford pickup truck, driven by 41-year-old Denis Aguilar Campos of Chelsea, Massachusetts, was traveling southbound in the northbound high-speed lanes of the highway when it struck an oncoming Chevrolet Tahoe.
Both vehicles were engulfed in flames upon impact. Authorities pronounced Campos dead at the scene, along with the occupants of the Tahoe: 20-year-old Jaylin Rainford of Randolph, Massachusetts, and 20-year-old Chiemelie David Okonkwo of Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Jaylin Rainford, a 20-year-old from Massachusetts, was known as a dedicated student, a talented athlete, and a leader on and off campus. Rainford was an active member of Bryant’s track and field team and also served as a resident assistant, roles through which he positively influenced fellow students.
Teammates and coaches remembered him for his commitment, work ethic, and uplifting spirit, saying he brought joy and encouragement to those around him.
Chiemelie David Okonkwo, also 20, hailed from Georgia and was deeply involved in student leadership and cultural organizations at Bryant. He served as Director of Black Enterprises for the Multicultural Student Union and as President of Shades of Strength, reflecting his passion for community engagement, advocacy, and empowerment. Friends described David as a compassionate, thoughtful leader whose presence enriched campus life and fostered connection among classmates.
In a message shared with the Bryant community, University President Ross Gittell expressed profound sorrow, saying, “Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the tragic loss of two Bryant University students… Jaylin and David passed away this morning following a car accident involving a wrong-way driver, and this heartbreaking loss has deeply affected our campus.” The university announced that classes and administrative offices would be closed on Monday, January 26, to allow time for grief, support, and communal care.
In the face of this immense loss, Bryant University has mobilized counseling services, Campus Ministry, and other support resources for students, faculty, and staff coping with grief. Officials have emphasized the importance of community care, compassion, and support during this difficult period.
Friends, classmates, and family have begun sharing tributes and memories on social media and in local gatherings, remembering Rainford and Okonkwo for their enthusiasm, leadership, and kindness. Funeral arrangements are being planned privately by the families, who have requested respect and space as they mourn their sudden and profound loss.
The Rhode Island State Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash and the circumstances that led to the wrong-way driving, with further details expected as the inquiry progresses.
