Father, son killed when tree crashes on top of golf cart during storm
MIDLAND, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) – A father and son were killed by a falling tree while they were golfing in Georgia this weekend.
According to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan, the father and son died at Bull Creek Golf Course in Midland.
The victims were identified as 58-year-old Matthew Terrell Collins Sr. and 29-year-old Matthew Terrell Collins Jr., both from Harris County.
The coroner said when a storm hit the golf course, the victims took cover under a tree while in their golf cart.
The storm caused that tree to fall on top of their golf cart, crushing both of them. They were both pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
The Columbus Police Department is investigating but said it appears to be a “terrible accident.”
According to officials, Matthew Collins Jr. was a former officer with the department.
“Matthew Jr. served our department with pride, and we are grateful for his service to this community. We extend our deepest condolences to the Collins family and ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” said the department in a statement.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also shared a statement on the tragedy:
“Marty, the girls, and I are saddened by the tragic deaths of two Georgians in Muscogee County today as a result of the severe weather. We ask that you us in keeping their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, along with all those responding to storm damage.”
The Collins family has created a GoFundMe to cover the cost of funeral and memorial expenses.
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