A school community is mourning the loss of a beloved teacher and his son in a boating accident that killed five people in a Georgia river over Memorial Day weekend, multiple outlets report.
Four of the five victims were members of the same family.
Christopher Leffler, 51, and Nathan Leffler, 17, were among those killed when two boats collided on the Wilmington River near Savannah on Saturday, May 28, McClatchy News reported, citing the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Christopher Leffler’s wife, Lori Leffler, and their 23-year-old son, Zachary Leffler, also died in the crash, as did Robert Chauncey, 37, who was a passenger on the second boat, officials said.
Christopher Leffler was a teacher and coach at the Calvary Day School in Savannah, according to the school’s website. Nathan was a student at the private Christian school.
“We love the Leffler family and our hearts are broken,” Head of School Dr. Hunter Chadwick said in a statement, WJCL reported. “I want to thank all of the first responders and everyone who continues to pray for the Calvary community and the Leffler family. Everyone that knows them has seen faith in action. Chris, Lori, Zach, and Nate were loved by so many and will be missed dearly.”
Chris Leffler was remembered as an “outstanding” educator, coach and friend. Nathan was best known for his “contagious smile,” “quiet demeanor” and love of sports.
“Nothing can prepare for you for a tragedy like this but as a community of believers, we will put our trust and faith in God and find comfort in knowing our dear friends are at home with our Lord and Savior,” Chadwick concluded.
Authorities were alerted to the deadly crash just after 10:30 a.m. Saturday when someone called to report that two boats had collided near Thunderbolt Marina on the Wilmington River, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The caller advised that multiple people were thrown overboard.
Two people died at the scene, and three more bodies were recovered from the river on Sunday, McClatchy News reported, citing authorities.
The Georgia Department of Resources charged Mark Stegall, 45, with boating under in the influence, WSAV and WSB-TV reported. The crash remains under investigation.
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