Oldest Victim of 'Horrific' Georgia Dock Collapse Was a Retired Special Ed Teacher 'Full of Life', Family Reveals

The family of one of the victims from the collapsed dock in Georgia on Saturday remembered her as a person who was "full of life" at 93-years-old.

Carlotta McIntosh was the oldest of the seven fatalities recorded in the incident, and one of four victims who hailed from Jacksonville. "She was a retired special education teacher that was vibrant, full of life and was loved by many. She belonged to many organizations locally such as the Live Long and Like It Club, Wilder Park Senior Citizens Club, the Pokeno club and many more. She was the matriarch of our family and will truly be missed," Ebony Davis, granddaughter of McIntosh, told local outlet News4Jax.

The incident took place on Saturday, when crowds gathered on Sapelo Island to celebrate a community of Black slave descendants, the Gullah-Geechee. About 40 people were on the dock gangway when it collapsed, leading at least 20 people into the water. Seven ended up dying as a result.

Local, state and federal authorities have opened an investigation to determine if there are any responsibilities for the collapse.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said she was "heartbroken" by the collapse, noting that most of the victims were city residents, "home to the nation's largest population of the Gullah-Geechee descendants." "As we observe Gullah-Geechee Heritage Month, we mourn the lives lost and extend our prayers to the Gullah community, which has been profoundly impacted by this tragedy," she said.

City Councilman Rahman Johnson also provided a statement, noting that he personally knew Carlotta McIntosh as well as another victim, Cynthia Gibbs. "They were strong, resilient women who embodied the very spirit of Jacksonville. Mrs. McIntosh, with her 93 years of wisdom, and Mrs. Gibbs, with her unwavering commitment to our community, were pillars of strength and compassion. Their loss leaves an immeasurable void not only in my heart but in the lives of those who had the honor of knowing them," he said.

"This is a heartbreaking loss for Jacksonville, and my heart aches alongside the families of all those affected by this tragedy. The ferry dock collapse at Sapelo Island has shaken us to the core, as it took the lives of people who were more than just names on a list—they were beloved members of our community."