It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Molly Welch, an inspiring Auburn alumna whose life was dedicated to creating a positive change in the world. Molly passed away at the age of 34, but her legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work she did to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and her unwavering commitment to helping others. Molly’s story, which she shared with the world in her book A Second Later: My Life Changed Forever, will remain a beacon of hope for anyone who has faced adversity.
Molly’s journey from a vibrant and energetic young woman to a survivor, advocate, and author has touched the hearts of many. Her dedication to making a difference in the world was not only inspiring but also a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of living with purpose. Through her nonprofit, A Second Later, she reached countless individuals, teaching them the harsh realities of distracted driving and urging everyone to prioritize safety on the roads.
Born and raised in Auburn, Alabama, Molly Welch was a proud alumna of Auburn University, where she earned her degree in communications. She was known for her infectious personality, passion for life, and her dedication to her studies. However, everything changed for Molly on a fateful day in 2011 when she was involved in a life-changing accident caused by a distracted driver. While traveling home from a visit to her family, Molly’s car was struck by a driver who was texting behind the wheel, causing her vehicle to roll several times before coming to a stop.
The accident left Molly with severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and a long road to recovery. She spent months in the hospital, undergoing surgeries, therapy, and learning how to walk and talk again. It was during this challenging period that Molly decided she would not let her accident define her life. Instead, she chose to use her experience to raise awareness about distracted driving, which claimed not only her ability to live life as she once had but also threatened the lives of many others on the road.
Molly’s journey of recovery was anything but easy. She faced setbacks, struggles, and moments of doubt, but she never gave up. Instead of allowing herself to be defined by the pain and trauma she had experienced, Molly channeled her strength into something much greater. She founded A Second Later, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young people, schools, and communities about the dangers of distracted driving. Her mission was simple but powerful: to prevent others from experiencing the heartbreak and devastation that she had gone through.
As the founder and president of A Second Later, Molly worked tirelessly to spread her message. She spoke at schools, universities, and events, sharing her story with anyone who would listen. Her message was clear: no text, no phone call, no message was worth the cost of someone’s life. Molly’s efforts were not limited to just awareness campaigns; she also worked with local and state governments to push for stronger laws on distracted driving, advocating for harsher penalties for those who drove while texting or engaging in other forms of distracted driving.
Through her nonprofit, Molly was able to reach thousands of individuals, and her message resonated with people from all walks of life. Her personal story was powerful, but it was her unwavering dedication to making a difference that truly set her apart. She was not content with just sharing her experiences; Molly wanted to make lasting changes in the world, and through her hard work, she did.
In addition to her work with A Second Later, Molly also authored her memoir, A Second Later: My Life Changed Forever. In the book, she shared the raw and emotional account of the accident, her recovery, and the challenges she faced as she rebuilt her life. The book became a source of inspiration for many, offering hope to individuals who had faced similar struggles. It also served as an important tool in raising awareness about the devastating impact of distracted driving and the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel.
Molly’s story was one of strength, courage, and resilience. Despite the immense physical and emotional challenges she faced, she never lost sight of her mission. She continued to fight for the cause she believed in, and in doing so, she changed the lives of countless others. Her work has been recognized by various organizations, and she received numerous awards for her efforts to raise awareness about distracted driving and to promote road safety.
Sadly, Molly passed away on May 3, 2025, after a long battle with health complications. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Molly’s impact on the world cannot be overstated. She dedicated her life to helping others, and through her work, she saved lives, changed minds, and left behind a lasting legacy of hope.
Molly’s family, friends, and the entire A Second Later community mourn her loss deeply. Her mother, father, and siblings have expressed their gratitude for the love and support they have received from the public, especially those who have been touched by Molly’s work. In a statement, her family said, “Molly was a force of nature. She was a loving daughter, sister, and friend. Her heart was as big as her dreams, and she devoted her life to helping others. We are so proud of everything she accomplished, and we will continue to carry her memory with us in everything we do.”
Molly’s death is a reminder of how fragile life can be and how important it is to make the most of every moment. She lived her life with purpose and determination, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who never had the chance to meet her. Her work with A Second Later will live on, as will her message: that every second matters, and that we must make responsible choices when it comes to driving.
As the world mourns the loss of Molly Welch, it is important to remember the impact she had. Through her nonprofit, her book, and her advocacy, Molly’s legacy will continue to touch the lives of others. Her spirit of kindness, resilience, and commitment to making the world a better place will live on in all of us.
Molly’s passing is a tragic loss, but it is also a reminder of the importance of carrying on her work. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, a call to action, and a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Let us all honor Molly’s memory by making every second count, by being responsible drivers, and by continuing her work to save lives and prevent the devastation of distracted driving.
Rest in peace, Molly. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
