Three members of an Emanuel County family and a fourth extended family member tragically lost their lives Tuesday afternoon in an accident on Interstate 16 in Bryan County.
The family from Twin City have been identified as Tim Roundtree, his wife Kelsey, and one of their children Orion. The fourth member was Tim’s Aunt, Dr. Hollie Matthews of Moses Lake, Washington.
Three other juveniles in the truck were taken to the hospital and as of Thursday morning, a family member said they were awake and communicating, although their injuries are quite extensive.
The Georgia State Patrol reports that a 2017 Ford F-250 pick-up truck was traveling in the right lane. A 2018 Kenworth tractor-trailer and a 2015 Mack tractor-trailer had stopped in the right lane due to road construction ahead. The passenger truck struck the back of the first tractor-trailer, pushing in into the other semi-truck.
Orion Roundtree was a 7th grade student and band member at Emanuel County Institute. The school has issued a statement on social media describing him as "full of spirit and a young man who exuded kindness to everyone."
A donation page has been set up by other family members to help cover the cost of the funerals, medical care, and other expenses. That site can be found at supportnow.org and search The Roundtree Family.
