In a heartbreaking incident that has left a community in mourning, Matthew Terrell Collins Sr., 58, and his son, Matthew Terrell Collins Jr., 29, lost their lives on Sunday, April 6, 2025, when a tree crashed onto their golf cart during a fierce storm at Bull Creek Golf Course in Midland, near Columbus, Georgia. The father and son, both residents of Harris County, were enjoying a day on the course when the severe weather struck, bringing tragedy to what should have been a routine outing. The Muscogee County Coroner confirmed that the two were sheltering under the tree when it fell, resulting in fatal blunt force trauma. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but despite their efforts, the pair was pronounced dead just after 6 p.m. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp took to social media to express his sorrow, 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. We ask that you join us in keeping their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”
This devastating event unfolded amid a broader wave of severe storms that have battered Georgia, prompting urgent responses from state officials and meteorologists alike. The National Weather Service (NWS) has been actively investigating reports of tornado activity across the state, with suspicions of twisters touching down south of metro Atlanta in the early hours of Monday, April 7. Investigators are focusing on areas such as southeastern Coweta County and Spalding County near Griffin, where damage suggests possible tornadic activity between 7 and 8 a.m. Further reports indicate potential tornadoes along Interstate 75 in Locust Grove and along Interstate 16 southwest of Macon. As of 10 a.m. Monday, no tornadoes had been officially confirmed, but the NWS continues its assessments to determine the full scope of the storm’s impact.
The storms come on the heels of other recent weather events in Georgia. Just a week prior, Coweta County endured two tornadoes—an EF-0 with winds of 75 mph and an EF-1 with gusts up to 90 mph—damaging multiple homes but sparing residents from injury. In mid-March, Paulding County faced an EF-1 tornado that affected at least a dozen homes, again without causing serious harm. These incidents underscore the volatility of Georgia’s spring weather, a season that has proven increasingly unpredictable and destructive.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the storms have disrupted daily life for thousands. As of Monday morning, more than 8,200 Georgians remained without power, a figure tracked by PowerOutage.us, with outages concentrated in areas hit hardest by the weekend’s weather. The storm system, which began impacting metro Atlanta, is now shifting south and east, with Savannah and coastal Georgia under a tornado watch until 6 p.m. Monday. Alongside the threat of twisters, the NWS has warned of dangerous rip currents along the state’s beaches, particularly near Savannah, posing additional risks through Monday evening.
To compound concerns, a flood watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Monday for numerous counties, including Barrow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, and DeKalb. Heavy rainfall has raised fears of flash flooding, and residents are being urged to stay vigilant as more storms could develop. Despite the current turmoil, meteorologists offer a glimmer of hope: cooler, drier conditions are expected to settle in by Tuesday, with highs in the low 60s and lows dipping into the upper 30s or low 40s through Wednesday. By Thursday, temperatures may climb to around 70 degrees, though another round of storms could arrive that night. While less severe than the current system, this forecast serves as a reminder of spring’s capricious nature.
For metro Atlanta residents, the week ahead promises a mix of relief and caution. Monday brings a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with highs near 66°F and potential rainfall of up to a quarter inch, possibly more in heavier bursts. By Monday night, skies will begin to clear, with lows around 44°F. Tuesday and Wednesday offer sunny respite, with highs of 61°F and 67°F, respectively, and clear nights dipping to 40°F and 47°F. Thursday’s forecast of 72°F under mostly sunny skies gives way to a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms Thursday night, with lows at 53°F. Friday may see lingering showers into early afternoon, followed by clearer conditions and a high of 67°F, setting the stage for a pleasant weekend with highs in the mid-60s to 70°F and mostly sunny skies.
As Georgia grapples with the aftermath of this deadly weather, the focus remains on recovery and preparedness. The loss of Matthew Terrell Collins Sr. and Jr. has cast a somber shadow over the state, a stark reminder of nature’s power. Authorities are encouraging residents to monitor updates from the NWS and local officials, emphasizing the importance of staying informed as the storm season progresses. With community support and resilience, Georgia aims to weather these challenges, honoring the memory of those lost while bracing for what lies ahead.