Father and son die when storm uproots tree that crushes golf cart in Georgia.

A tragic incident unfolded in Columbus, Georgia, where a father and son lost their lives when a golf cart they were in was struck by a falling tree during a severe rainstorm. The victims, Matthew Terrell Collins Sr., 58, and his son, Matthew Terrell Collins Jr., 29, were reportedly taking refuge under a tree at the Bull Creek Golf Course when a sudden gust of wind caused the tree to snap, resulting in the fatal accident on Sunday evening.

Emergency responders pronounced both individuals dead at the scene around 6:06 p.m. The coroner’s office later ruled the fatalities as accidental deaths caused by blunt force trauma. As this devastating incident is investigated, Columbus Fire-EMS Chief Sal Scarpa emphasized the abrupt nature of the storm, which severely impacted the community. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and described the chaotic weather conditions that led to this tragedy.

In light of the incident, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp offered his sympathies to the victims’ family. He conveyed his grief over the tragic loss of life through a statement on social media, urging the community to keep the Collins family in their thoughts and prayers, along with those working to respond to the storm’s aftermath.

This incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather, which has caused significant disruption across the South and Midwest. The recent string of storms has resulted in at least 23 fatalities since the previous Wednesday, with numerous tornadoes and instances of flooding reported across ten states. As communities grapple with the aftermath of these extreme weather events, the focus now turns to providing support to affected families and assessing the damage inflicted by the storms.

The occurrences of such deadly weather phenomena highlight the importance of preparedness and safety measures during severe weather warnings. It is crucial for individuals in hazardous conditions to prioritize their safety and avoid seeking shelter under potentially precarious structures, such as trees, during storms. As investigations continue, local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and informed about weather conditions in their areas.

This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the need for community resilience in the face of adversity.