‘Soulmates:’ Blue Springs couple remembered after deadly crash, fundraiser underway

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. -- A joint funeral is being planned for a Blue Springs couple who died after being injured in a crash last week. Family described Kody and Aubree Ballard as ‘givers.' Even providing after their deaths, by donating their organs. As of Tuesday, Blue Springs Police say the investigation is still very active and within the process of completing an accident reconstruction. “The surviving driver was westbound on 40 Highway and Kody and Aubree were crossing south across 40 Highway at the time of the accident,” a spokesperson for the department shared Tuesday. “The surviving driver was initially taken into custody but was later released pending further investigation.”   On July 2, police responded to a motor vehicle accident at 19th Street and Highway 40 in Blue Springs where “one vehicle had a single occupant who had minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The second vehicle had two occupants. That driver was later declared dead after arriving at the hospital. The passenger is in critical condition," according to police. Once police have finished their investigation, it will likely be presented to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review to determine if charges should be filed in this case. An update posted by the department over the weekend indicated a second person had passed away. The Blue Springs Police Department (BSPD) shared their the update and condolences with a recent social media post: The Blue Springs Police Department is saddened to report that the passenger involved in the motor vehicle accident on July 2 has died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The driver and passenger have been identified as Kody Ballard, 26, and Aubree Ballard, 26, of Blue Springs. They were husband and wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss. Kody and Aubree's family says the two first met in elementary school. “They met each other in first grade for the first time. Kody had to race another boy for Aubree. He lost. They found each other again freshman year in high school. He kept pestering her. He stalked her for a year,” Her brother, Walker McClain, shared with a smile. “He was so in love with her. They got together when they were what?… 15? They were inseparable.” Kody and Aubree wed in 2023. “I have lost my best friend and my brother. My protectors. I did everything with them. They were my life. They were the light of my life,” McClain added about his sister and brother-in-law. Aubree was a huge Taylor Swift fan too, her brother added. “Me and my sister loved Taylor Swift so much and that was what one of the things we bonded over. Taylor Swift got married the day after my sister died,” he said. His mother chimed in and shared “…and there was a rainbow and we would like to think that my daughter was shining over Taylor and Travis’ wedding. She was a ‘Swiftie’ through and through.” Walker and Aubree’s mom, Angela McClain describes the pain as unimaginable. “It’s a feeling that I hope no parent has to experience. You just hope that you wake up and it’s not going to be true.” Family of Aubree Ballard believe speed may have contributed to the crash taking place. However, police have not confirmed whether it did or did not. “I will never stop missing them and loving them,” Aubree’s brother, Walker McClain shared.  “I have to live the rest of my life missing them and I will probably live longer missing them, than I did knowing them.” Aubree’s mother says “It was a senseless act that could have been avoided.” The family adds, the couple deserves to be honored and celebrated, saying the two had a lot of life left to live. As of Tuesday, plans were underway to discuss details for the pairs funeral. Family shared with FOX4, this link to help with the joint service costs.