A serene Sunday afternoon turned into a heartbreaking nightmare when a father and son were killed by a falling tree during a violent storm at Bull Creek Golf Course in Midland, Georgia.

The victims, 58-year-old Matthew Terrell Collins Sr. and his 29-year-old son Matthew Terrell Collins Jr., were seeking shelter from the storm when the tragedy occurred.

Fatal Storm Incident Leaves Georgia Community Grieving

Gold Course Tragedy: Father, Son Killed After Tree Collapses During Gold Course Tragedy: Father, Son Killed After Tree Collapses During
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According to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan, the two were sitting in their golf cart beneath a tree when it suddenly collapsed under the pressure of the storm's powerful winds. The tree's fall inflicted fatal blunt force trauma, claiming both their lives instantly.

Local law enforcement and the coroner's office are thoroughly investigating the incident, though Columbus Fire-EMS Chief Sal Scarpa has described it as a "terrible accident."

"This seems like a terrible accident, but we'll have the police department and the coroner do a thorough investigation. Our thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. This is a terrible storm that came through our community," Scarpa said.

An organizer created a GoFundMe page to support the family of the victims. The community immediately took notice of the tragedy on the stormy day.

The organizer described the loss as "unimaginable," noting that the father and son were sharing a peaceful moment before their lives were abruptly cut short.

Extreme Weather Claims More Lives Across the Region

The deaths of the Collins father and son add to the growing toll of destruction caused by a wave of severe storms sweeping across the South and Midwest.

Since the beginning of April, at least 20 people have died due to powerful tornadoes, flash floods, and dangerous winds.

According to TMZ Sports, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences via social media, stating, "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," he wrote. "We ask that you join us in keeping their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, along with all those responding to storm damage."

Remembering a Father and Son's Enduring Bond

The outpouring of community support for the Collins family has been overwhelming. The GoFundMe campaign is raising money to assist with funeral expenses and to provide comfort for Matthew Sr.'s widow and Matthew Jr.'s mother during this painful time.

Matthew Jr. was remembered as "a kindhearted soul, a loyal friend, and someone who always showed up for others. " The bond he shared with his father was described as deep and unbreakable, making their dual loss even more profound.