Jackson County Parents Start Distracted Driving Foundation After Son's Death

Kory Beagle, 25, and his dog were killed by a distracted driver in 2022, inspiring his parents to advocate for road safety.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered pair of eyeglasses against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of a distracted driving accident.The aftermath of a distracted driving tragedy exposes the fragility of life and the urgent need for greater awareness and action on road safety.Jackson Today

A Jackson County family is turning their tragedy into advocacy after a distracted driver killed their 25-year-old son Kory Beagle and his dog in 2022. Kory's parents, Tina and Jeff Beagle, started the Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving through speaking events, local races, and other initiatives.

Why it matters

Distracted driving remains a major public safety issue, with thousands of deaths and injuries each year. The Beagle family's story highlights the devastating human toll and inspires others to take action to prevent such tragedies in their own communities.

The details

On March 19, 2022, Kory Beagle and his dog Faith were hit and killed by a distracted driver while walking to his girlfriend's house. Kory's parents, Tina and Jeff Beagle, were devastated by the loss and decided to start a non-profit foundation to bring awareness to the dangers of distracted driving. The foundation organizes an annual April Fools' Marathon and 5.5K race, as well as speaking engagements with adults and students in Jackson County and beyond.

  • On March 19, 2022, Kory Beagle and his dog were hit and killed by a distracted driver.
  • The Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation was started after the tragedy in 2022.

The players

Kory Beagle

A 25-year-old Jackson County resident who was killed by a distracted driver in 2022 while walking with his dog.

Tina Beagle

Kory's mother, who co-founded the Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation to raise awareness about distracted driving after her son's death.

Jeff Beagle

Kory's father, who co-founded the Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation with his wife Tina to advocate for road safety.

Jellaca Beagle

Kory's twin sister, who has been impacted by his tragic death.

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What they’re saying

“We found out through a friend of ours, through a friend of our daughter's, that there was an accident.”

— Tina Beagle, Co-founder, Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation

“We ended up meeting at the hospital where we thought Kory should be eventually. They never showed up at the hospital. They took him straight to the morgue.”

— Tina Beagle, Co-founder, Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation

“Everybody saw him who was out driving on their way to work, up until someone didn't. Because they were on their phone adjusting the podcast.”

— Tina Beagle, Co-founder, Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation

“Be present with where you're at. Nothing is worth taking somebody's life. So, you know, be aware.”

— Jeff Beagle, Co-founder, Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation

“We're not faulting people, we're not telling them what to do. Just be aware of your surroundings.”

— Tina Beagle, Co-founder, Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation

What’s next

The Jeff and Tina Beagle Foundation plans to continue its advocacy work, including the annual April Fools' Marathon and 5.5K race, as well as speaking engagements with adults and students in Jackson County and beyond.

The takeaway

The Beagle family's tragic loss has inspired them to turn their grief into action, using their foundation to raise awareness about the deadly consequences of distracted driving and encourage all drivers to stay focused on the road. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating impact that can result from taking one's eyes off the task of driving, even for a moment.