GRAND BAY, AL – The community of Grand Bay and surrounding areas continue to rally around the family of Brittney Sherman, a 27-year-old Semmes woman who tragically died following a boat crash Sunday evening in Bayou Sara.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Sherman was a passenger aboard a 20-foot Avid Center Console vessel when it collided with a 26-foot Regulator Center Console around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday. She was thrown from the boat during the crash and fatally injured.
Her body was recovered by search teams on Monday morning at 10:50 a.m., approximately 100 yards from where she entered the water.
The crash also left Cody Sherman, Brittney’s 30-year-old husband, and their 4-year-old son injured. Both were transported to local hospitals for treatment. In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Cody expressed his grief and resolve:
“Brittney, I love you more than anything in this world. I promise to take care of these babies for you, sweetheart. I’m not sure how I’m gonna make it, but I’m gonna do my best to make you proud. I love you until we meet again.”
He also called for prayers for their young son, who remains in recovery.
“Everyone please pray my baby boy will make a full recovery. This little boy is the toughest person I ever met. Daddy loves you and we will get through this.”
ALEA identified the driver of the Avid Center Console vessel as Robert T. Lofton, 19, of Lucedale, Mississippi. The Regulator Center Console was operated by Jerry Hocutt Jr., 52, of Wilmer. Neither operator sustained injuries in the crash.
The recovery and investigation have involved a coordinated effort from multiple agencies, including:
- Saraland Fire Department
- Mobile Fire Department
- Mobile Police Department
- Mobile County Sheriff’s Flotilla
- Satsuma Fire & Police Departments
- Daphne Search and Rescue
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)
- ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation and Marine Patrol Troopers
As the investigation into the cause of the collision continues, the Grand Bay and Semmes communities have poured out support for the Sherman family, sharing condolences and organizing efforts to aid in their recovery.
Brittney Sherman is being remembered as a devoted mother, wife, and friend. Her sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the community, and tributes continue to flood social media in her honor.
ALEA has not released further details, and the crash remains under investigation.