Columbus funeral home to host celebration of life for golf course storm victims
A celebration of life has been announced fora father and son who died after a tree fell on them at a Columbus golf course that was hit by high winds, heavy rain and a tornado.
Matthew Terrell Collins Sr., 58, and Matthew Terrell Collins Jr., 29, will have their celebration of life May 3 at 2 p.m. in Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road in Columbus, according to the funeral home.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan said the victims were playing Sunday at Bull Creek Golf Course and took refuge under a tree while in their golf cart. The storm caused the tree to fall on them, resulting in bunt-force trauma, according to Bryan.
A GoFundMe account was started to help raise money for the Collins’ funeral costs and has raised over $27,000.
The account says, “Matthew Jr. was a loyal friend, a kindhearted soul, and someone who always showed up for the people in his life. He shared a deep bond with his father, and losing both of them so suddenly is a devastating blow to everyone who knew and loved them.”
A statement Monday on the GoFundMe from Tabetha Collins, Matthew Terrell Collins Jr.’s sister, says, “Thank you from the depths of our hearts for everyone’s outpouring of love toward our brother and father’s funeral costs. Your kindness has been a true blessing during one of the hardest times of our lives.”
Tabetha Collins has since provided another statement on the Gofundme, which says, “We are still so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we have received from you all. Words cannot express our gratitude.”
She continues, “We are having a memorial service for both my dad and brother on May 3rd at 2 pm at Striffler-Hamby in Columbus. All are welcome to join us in the celebration of their lives. We love you all and are so grateful for you all.”
This story was originally published April 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM.