Overview

• Matthew Terrell Collins Sr., 58, and his son, Matthew Terrell Collins Jr., 29, were killed on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Bull Creek Golf Course in Columbus, Georgia, during a sudden and violent storm.
• The pair sought shelter in their golf cart when a tree fell, causing fatal blunt force trauma; both were pronounced dead at the scene, confirmed by Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.
• Officials, including Columbus Fire-EMS Chief Sal Scarpa, have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident, which has been ruled accidental.
• Georgia Governor Brian Kemp publicly expressed condolences, calling the deaths a tragic loss and urging thoughts and prayers for the family and responders addressing storm damage.
• A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $13,000 to support the victims' family, highlighting the deep bond shared between the father and son and the community's collective grief.