BRYAN COUNTY, GEORGIA — A family of four was killed on Interstate 16 eastbound near mile marker 143 on September 29 when their Ford F-250 rear-ended a stopped tractor-trailer in a construction zone, pushing it into a second stopped truck. Three children in the vehicle survived with serious injuries. The family had been traveling with seven people total.
The Bryan County Coroner’s Office identified the four killed as Timothy Roundtree, 35, of Twin City; his wife Kelsey Roundtree, 36; their 12-year-old son Orion Roundtree; and Timothy’s aunt, Dr. Hollie Matthews, 49. All three adults were pronounced dead at the scene. Orion died as well. Three juvenile survivors were rushed to Memorial Health in Savannah with life-threatening injuries.
Georgia State Patrol said the 2017 Ford F-250 was traveling in the right lane when it struck the rear of a 2018 Kenworth tractor-trailer that had stopped due to construction ahead. The impact pushed the Kenworth into a 2015 Mack tractor-trailer that had also stopped for the construction zone. The crash remains under investigation.
The Children
As of a Thursday morning update from the family, all three surviving children are alive, awake, and able to communicate. The two younger children suffered multiple fractures. The oldest child underwent emergency surgery to repair a torn bowel and will need additional surgeries due to facial trauma. He retained his vision but cannot speak due to a fractured jaw.
Family members have set up a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses, ongoing medical care for the surviving children, and relocation costs to bring the children back to the Pacific Northwest.
“It will take a village to support all of us,” the family wrote.
Remembering Orion
Orion Roundtree was a seventh-grade student and trumpet player at Emanuel County Institute. His school, his band, and his friends are grieving deeply.
“We are deeply saddened to share the devastating news that our 7th grade student, Orion Roundtree, has passed away,” the school wrote. “Orion was full of spirit and exuded kindness to everyone.”
The school’s marching band added: “We lost one of our own. Orion, we will love you and miss you always.”
Friends described him as bubbly, kind, and someone whose smile made everyone’s day.
“He was bubbly, made everybody laugh, kind, had the prettiest smile,” said friend Sophia Clubb. “He had pure love for everybody.”
“It just feels unreal that someone that young is taken away,” said friend Gracie Johnson. “I just know that he’s in a better place and he’s watching over us.”
Friend Madison Beacham remembered him as the only trumpet player in the band. “He was the bestest friend that everybody had, and he would always say like a prayer to everyone.”
Nola Neal, who worked in the school lunchroom, said his kindness stood out every day. “He would say, ‘Thank you,’ and just say, ‘How are you?’ He’s smart, very bright. Had a bright future ahead of him.”
Donations to support the family can be made here.
Interviews courtesy of local media.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
