Blaise Taylor, the son of Texas A&M coach Trooper Taylor, has been arrested for the poisoning deaths of his pregnant girlfriend and their preborn child.
Nashville Police released a statement about the death of Jade Benning, who died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on March 6, 2023, after being taken to the hospital on February 25. Taylor had called 911 reporting that Benning was suffering an allergic reaction; her preborn baby died within two days, and while Benning survived a little longer, she tragically passed away as well.
According to police, Taylor poisoned Benning when he visited her on February 25. They believe Taylor was the father of Benning’s preborn child, who was at five months gestation at the time. Benning’s family said she was pregnant with a girl, whom she had named Ivy.
Blaise Taylor (Screenshot)
READ: Boxer gets two life sentences for murder of girlfriend and preborn child
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking situation, including the family and friends of the victim,” Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said in a statement. “It’s essential to allow the courts to handle this situation with the diligence and fairness it demands. We also would like to extend our prayers and support to coach Trooper Taylor, Dr. Evelyn Taylor and their family as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”
In a statement, Benning’s family said she was an athlete in college, who became a chef after graduation and looked forward to being a mother.
“A fierce champion for her friends, Jade’s presence was a source of strength and comfort in times of celebration and hardship alike,” the statement said. “Her love for family knew no bounds, as she eagerly anticipated the arrival of her beloved Ivy Blair, dreaming of the boundless love she would share as a mother.”
They continued to say that her death, and that of Ivy, had “left a void in our hearts that can never be filled.”
Taylor was indicted by a grand jury this week.
