Why We Walk...Rayanna Powell
BRANTLEY "RAYANNA" POWELL
October 23, 1999 - August 28, 2020
Brantley "Rayanna" Powell was born on October 23, 1999. Aprile Powell, Rayanna's mother, recounts that Rayanna completed their family of four. While reflecting on her daughter's personality and passions, Aprile shared that, "She was always smiling, loved everyone, had a passion for softball, saving animals but most importantly loved Jesus. She was a bright light in this world." Rayanna had recently finished a softball scholarship at Central Alabama and had moved to Auburn, Alabama, to continue her goals. On August 28, 2020, just 13 days later, the Powell family was shattered when a drunk driver took Rayanna's life in a head-on crash. Rayanna, whose life was once full of joy and dreams, was killed due to a choice that was made which resulted in leaving the Powell family with a life sentence. Aprile shares, "This is why we walk and for all lives taken by this 100 percent preventable crime."
This year, for the 2023 Walk Like Madd Auburn event, MADD Alabama would like to honor Rayanna, her family, her friends, and her community who have continued to provide a Ray of Hope under such dark circumstances.