Two Georgia Southern students killed in crash on I-16
Vigil to be held Monday at 6 p.m.
Credit L-R: Erin Collier and R-Lead Photography/Instagram
L-R: Bradley “Cole” Couey, Jordan Thomas
February 1, 2021
Two Georgia Southern students were killed in a Sunday afternoon accident on I-16 in Emanuel County.
According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), freshmen Jordan Thomas of Alto, Georgia, and Bradley “Cole” Couey of Kingston, Georgia, were traveling East when Thomas’ vehicle struck a tree. Thomas was driving the Toyota Tacoma pickup and Couey was his only passenger, according to the GSP.
Thomas was 19 and Couey was 18. Both students were members of GS’ Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity and students on the Statesboro campus, according to Mark Whitesel, associate dean of student care and students’ wellbeing.
ATO will be holding an in-person candlelight vigil Monday night at 6 p.m. at the ATO house on Greek Row, according to the fraternity’s Instagram page. ATO advises those interested in attending to wear a mask.
“We were deeply saddened to hear about the traffic accident that tragically took the lives of two of our students over the weekend,” said Shay Little, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs. “These two young men were freshmen, and it’s just devastating to see young lives cut short so unexpectedly.”
“In addition to sending my deepest condolences to the families of these students, I also send sympathies to Alpha Tau Omega, the Interfraternity Council, and the entire Fraternity & Sorority Life community on the loss of two of their own,” Little added.
Anyone impacted by this event can reach out the dean of students office and the counseling center for any resources or support they may need at this time, according to Whitesel.
The dean of students office can be reached at (912) 478-3326 and the counseling center can be reached at (912) 478-5541.
A statement from the GSP listed the cause as traveling too fast for the weather conditions.
This is an active story. The George-Anne will continue to monitor the situation.
James Morris • Feb 6, 2021 at 6:33 pm
My prayers go out to the family and friends of these two young men. Mostly they go to the parents. I lost my 17 year old daughter 10 years ago today. 02/06/2011. It never gets easier. You learn to live with it. So sorry for your loss.
Lisa Ferguson • Feb 3, 2021 at 8:20 am
Praying for Gods strength peace and comfort for both families ❤️
Alan Humphrey, Vidalia • Feb 2, 2021 at 6:15 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these two young men. I can only imagine the loss you are feeling at this time. Alan Humphrey, GSU Class of 1977, Vidalia, GA
Debra Shigetomi • Feb 2, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Sending out prayers of comfort to the families of these two students. Eagle Nation mourns with you. May they soar on Eagles wings forever.
Candice • Feb 2, 2021 at 12:41 pm
I am devastated by this sudden loss. I knew Cole as a kid, his mother was a teacher of mine. Brandi and Brad my heart is with you all, your daughter and your family. Prayers and condolences to both families of the young men.
Christy • Feb 2, 2021 at 11:59 am
My prayers and love are with these families at this awful time. May God be with all of you ❤️
myrreld roberson • Feb 2, 2021 at 7:13 am
prayers for all who went to school with them. Prayers most of all for the families. May the young men rest in peace.
Jana Renz • Feb 1, 2021 at 8:13 pm
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Cole and Jordan. Such a sad loss. May your hearts find comfort in the good memories.
Annette Wilson • Feb 1, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Sending condolences and prayers to the Thomas & Couey families .
William Smith • Feb 1, 2021 at 6:57 pm
To the families of the two students that were killed in the accident you are in my prayers stay safe