Jacqueline Crews Carter, Cynthia Gibbs, Charles L. Houston, William Johnson Jr., Carlotta McIntosh, Isaiah Thomas, and Queen Welch Obituary, Death – Tragic Sapelo Island Dock Collapse Claims Seven Lives
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, a devastating incident occurred at the Marsh Landing dock on Sapelo Island, Georgia, resulting in the loss of seven precious lives. The victims, who were visiting the island, were identified as Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75, and Cynthia Gibbs, 74, from Jacksonville, Florida; Charles L. Houston, 77, from Darien, Georgia; William Johnson Jr., 73, from Atlanta, Georgia; Carlotta McIntosh, 93, from Jacksonville; Isaiah Thomas, 79, from Jacksonville; and Queen Welch, 76, from Atlanta.
The tragic event unfolded when the dock at Marsh Landing suddenly collapsed, causing several people to plunge into the water. According to authorities, around 20 people fell into the water during the collapse, with approximately 40 individuals standing on the dock or its gangway when it gave way.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist those who had fallen into the water. Despite their efforts, the seven individuals were pronounced dead, while others who fell into the water were rescued and treated for injuries.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, with authorities exploring possible factors such as the dock’s condition and the weight of the people on it. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working to determine whether any structural issues contributed to the failure of the dock.
The DNR Commissioner expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized that the safety of Georgia’s waterways and recreational areas remains a top priority for the department.
The incident has left a profound impact on the local communities in both Georgia and Florida, where many of the victims were from. The visitors who perished were likely drawn to Sapelo Island for its tranquility and natural beauty, making the incident all the more heartbreaking. Their families and friends now mourn the loss of their loved ones, while the investigation seeks to uncover the full details of what caused the collapse.
Sapelo Island is a unique and historically significant place, known for its ties to the Gullah-Geechee culture and for being home to the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve. The island can only be accessed by boat, and many visitors use the Marsh Landing dock to disembark. The collapse of the dock
