The Emanuel County community is mourning the tragic loss of Emanuel County Institute seventh-grade student Orion Roundtree, 12, of Twin City, who was killed in an automobile accident Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 29, on Interstate 16 in Bryan County.
Orion was one of four people killed in the crash. Also killed were his father, Timothy Roundtree, 35; his mother, Kelsey Roundtree, 36; and Timothy Roundtree’s aunt, Dr. Hollie Matthews, 49, of Moses Lake, Washington.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the crash occurred on I-16 eastbound near mile marker 143. Troopers were called to the scene at approximately 2:10 p.m. A 2017 Ford F-250 was traveling in the right lane when it struck the rear of a stopped 2018 Kenworth tractor-trailer. The impact pushed the Kenworth into a second stopped tractor-trailer, a 2015 Mack. The trucks had stopped because of construction ahead.
Three other children who were traveling in the pickup survived the crash and were transported to a Savannah hospital with serious injuries. Family members say that the children are awake and communicating, although they sustained significant injuries and face a lengthy recovery.
Orion was a seventh-grade student at ECI and was also a member of the school's band. The school expressed its sorrow over his death, describing him as a student who was “full of spirit” and known for his kindness to others.
A post on Facebook Sunday, Oct.4 by Jess Mills reads as follows: Today’s competition was about more than just performing—it was about honoring Orion. We set up a chair for his uniform, hat, and trumpet a reminder that even though he couldn’t be there with us, his place in this band will always be here. We played today with him in our hearts and his spirit beside us every step of the way. This one was for you, Orion. Your music, your memories, and the impact you made on all of us will never be forgotten.
A fundraiser has been established for the Roundtree family to help with funeral expenses, the surviving children's ongoing medical care and other expenses, including costs associated with bringing the children back to the Pacific Northwest. The fundraising page is seeking a goal of $50,000 and, as of Oct. 5, had raised more than $42,000 through hundreds of donations.
If you would like to help, the fundraiser is “The Roundtree Family” on SupportNow.org.
The family has also asked for prayers and support as the surviving children continue their recovery and relatives work through the devastating loss.
