BATON ROUGE — Nearly three months after a fiery crash on I-10 claimed the life of 34-year-old Cody Pounds, his fiancée, Holly Rogers, is finding strength in faith, family, and the love of her two children as she rebuilds her life one small victory at a time.
The crash happened in the early morning hours of August 16 when the couple’s vehicle struck a guardrail near the Louise Street exit, went over the interstate, and landed on McCalop Street below. The impact caused the car to erupt in flames. Friends traveling just ahead of them turned back immediately, pulling Rogers from the burning wreckage, but despite their desperate efforts, they were unable to save Cody.
Holly spent nearly three months at University Medical Center in New Orleans, undergoing multiple surgeries for her neck, spine, and burns. Her recovery since has been nothing short of miraculous.
Now back home in Arkansas, Holly continues intensive therapy as a C5 incomplete quadriplegic—a diagnosis meaning her spinal cord was not fully severed, giving doctors and family hope for continued progress.
“Holly is a C5 quadriplegic,” explained her mother, Amy Collier. “Incomplete, which means there is some hope of some function coming back. Her voice is getting stronger, because for a long time, she couldn’t talk more than really a whisper.”
“I am a fighter. I will be fighting through all of this”
Today, Holly’s determination shines through her every word.
“Yeah, I’m in a loner chair right now,” Rogers said with a smile. “I’m actually starting to be able to flex the muscles under my fingers.”
She’s now preparing to begin outpatient therapy at Baptist Health in Little Rock. Despite the pain and limitations, she refuses to give up.
“It’s bad, but I’ve got movement in my arms,” Rogers said. “I’ve got more movement than most quadriplegics, so I’m very thankful for that. I am a fighter. I will be fighting through all of this. I’ve started my own little physical therapy regimen at home. I’m not one to just sit back and take it, so I will be fighting through all of this.”
“I really, really, really miss my husband — well, my fiancé”
Rogers says she’s thankful for the support of her mother, friends, and her two children — Harley, 7, and Chevy, 1.5 — who now live with her in Arkansas.
“My mom has been an amazing help with all this. I couldn’t have done any of it without her,” she said. “My mom loves to tell me, ‘I’m just glad to have you here. I’ll take you however I can have you.’”
Holly’s young daughter, Harley, has also been a tremendous help as the family adjusts to a new routine.
“I can’t really do much — dishes or cooking or anything like that, because my hands don’t move just yet,” Rogers explained. “We’re hoping they will eventually. With more and more therapy, I’ll be able to do more and more.”
While her physical recovery continues, Holly’s emotional wounds remain deep.
“I really, really, really miss my husband — well, my fiancé,” she said softly. “He was such a great dad and husband. We’d been together for a very long time. I cry every day, but I’m so glad to have had him for the amount of time that I did.”
“I couldn’t have made it without everyone”
Through tears, she said what keeps her going are her children — and the overwhelming support from friends, strangers, and the Louisiana community she still calls home.
“I love my kids so much. They both look just like their daddy,” she said. “Oh, I love them so much. I’m so thankful to have a piece of their daddy.”
“I couldn’t have made it without everyone — not just in the hospital, but at home and in Louisiana,” she added. “I couldn’t have done any of this without a single person. I’m so fortunate, and I’m so thankful to be alive and to have the people that have been there for me.”
Her mother says that while Holly can’t travel yet, the family plans to make regular visits to Louisiana.
“Holly can’t travel yet, but she will,” Collier said. “These babies are half Arkansas and half Cajun, so we got to make sure we keep their cool Cajun up. We’ll be back and forth — their health and family are there as well.”
Memorial Benefit Fundraiser for Holly Rogers and in Honor of Cody Pounds
To continue supporting Holly’s recovery and to honor Cody’s memory, family and friends have organized a Memorial Benefit Car, Truck, Jeep, and Bike Show:
Saturday, November 15, 2025
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Locals Bar and Kitchen, Denham Springs, LA
The benefit will feature live entertainment, vendors, jambalaya plates, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction — all to help cover Holly’s ongoing medical costs and care for her two young children.
Trophies will be awarded for:
- Best in Class: Domestic Car, Import Car, Classic, Lowered Truck, Lifted Truck, Jeep & Bike
- Sponsors’ Choice
- Best in Show
Registration Fees:
- Pre-register: $15
- Day of Event: $20
Proceeds from the event will go directly to assist Holly as she continues rehabilitation and works toward independence.
The benefit will also coincide with a special day for the family — Holly’s nephew’s birthday.
“It’s going to be a really special day,” Holly said. “We just appreciate everyone who continues to support us. It means more than I can ever say.”
As Holly looks ahead, her message remains one of strength and gratitude.
“Every day is a challenge,” she said. “But I am a fighter. And I know Cody is with me through all of this.”
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on the latest news across the Capital area.
Support UWK and its mission to deliver The News You Deserve. Unfiltered. Become a monthly patron on Patreon today!
