William Johnson Jr, Queen Welch Obituary, Death; – The identities of the seven individuals who tragically lost their lives in the gangway collapse at Sapelo Island on Saturday have been confirmed, including two residents from Atlanta.
The incident occurred during the annual Sapelo Cultural Day festivities at the Marsh Landing Dock around 4:30 p.m. Approximately 40 individuals were present on the gangway when it experienced a “catastrophic failure,” resulting in a buckling at its center, as reported by officials.
Around 20 individuals fell into the water as a consequence of the collapse. The deceased include William Johnson, Jr., 73, and Queen Welch, 76, both from Atlanta. Additionally, Charles L. Houston, 77, from Darien, was among the victims, along with Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75; Cynthia Gibbs, 74; Carlotta McIntosh, 92; and Isaiah Thomas, 79, all hailing from Jacksonville.
This celebration was intended to honor the Gullah Geechee community of the island, who are descendants of enslaved Black individuals. This is an ongoing story. Please check back with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for further updates.
