HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Country music superstar Cole Swindell has millions of adoring fans, but Donna Ballard from Mechanicsville might be the biggest one in the world right now. The country star met with Ballard prior to taking the stage at "Innsbrook After Hours" Wednesday night, three months removed from the most painful night of Ballard's life.
Donna Ballard's son, Dylan, was a senior at Lee-Davis High school, only a few weeks away from graduating. Late in the night of April 23, Dylan Ballard was one of six young people riding in a white Dodge Ram pickup that veered off Cold Harbor Road in Hanover and struck a tree. Ballard and 22-year old Elliot Hinton died on the scene; four other people were badly injured, but survived. Investigators said alcohol appears to be a factor in the wreck.
Dylan Ballard and Elliot Hinton
Cole Swindell lives in Nashville and tours the country, but Ballard said the country star heard about what happened to her son. She said he asked to meet with her privately before Wednesday night's concert.
"[Dylan's story] impacted him. He felt like he had a connection with us. His father had recently passed away, and he just felt a connection," said Ballard. "It was humbling, kind, loving, compassionate. It was a blessing."
As soon as Swindell took the stage, Ballard said she noticed he was wearing a #ballardstrong wristband, a phrase the family and Hanover community has used as a sign of love since April. At one point during the concert, Swindell left the stage and returned with a #ballardstrong t-shirt on. Donna Ballard wore both the t-shirt and wrist band to work Thursday.
Cole Swindell wearing #ballardstrong shirt on stage
"It just proves there truly are good people still; there's still kindness," said Ballard. "Sometimes it's difficult to just get up each day and put your shoes on and head out that door, but it's a step we choose to make."
Donna Ballard and country music star Cole Swindell prior to "Innsbrook After Hours"
Everyone in the vehicle, including the driver, had been drinking prior to the April 23 wreck, according to court documents. However, at this point, no charges have been filed. The Hanover Sheriff's Department said they are waiting for blood test results to return from the state crime lab. Then, investigators will consult with the Commonwealth's Attorney about how to move forward with the case.
"My entire family has been lifted by Hanover County. The outreach of love, caring, and compassion, it's just rewarding," said Ballard, who cannot comment on the case.
Ballard said her family is focused on continuing the healing process and making sure families do not have to go through the pain they are dealing with right now. Ballard and a group of community members in Hanover are in the process of creating a non-profit called "Never 2 L8." The organization would help young people find a safe ride home if they feel they are in a dangerous situation, no questions asked.
"I don't want any family to go through what we're going through. My prayer is that some child will pick up their phone and make that phone call someone to come and get them."
WATCH: Dylan Ballard's brother shares a message about the dangers of drinking and driving.
