A devastating boat collision has left an Alabama family mourning after 27-year-old Brittney Sherman was thrown overboard and killed. The young mother of four was enjoying a day on the water with her husband and children when tragedy struck.

According to a New York Post report, the accident occurred around 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, in Bayou Sara near Saraland in Mobile County. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency confirmed that two vessels collided, resulting in Sherman being ejected into the murky waters.

Search efforts immediately commenced but were hampered by poor visibility in the bayou. Despite emergency crews responding swiftly to the scene, Sherman couldn't be located until the following morning when search and rescue personnel recovered her body approximately 100 yards from where she entered the water.

Father Left To Raise Four Children Alone

Cody Sherman, Brittney's 30-year-old husband, was injured in the collision and transported to USA Health University Hospital in Mobile for treatment. The couple's 4-year-old child also required medical attention at a local hospital.

In a heartbreaking Facebook post following the tragedy, Cody expressed his profound grief and uncertainty about moving forward without his wife. "Brittney I love you more than anything in this world," he wrote. "I promise to take care of these babies for you, sweetheart! I know that you are up there watching over us."

His emotional message continued with a plea to his late wife: "Please show me how to do this. I'm not sure how I'm gonna make it and I'm gonna do my best to make you proud. I love you until we meet again!!"

Investigation Into Fatal Collision Continues

The accident involved two vessels: a 20-foot Avid Center Console occupied by the Sherman family and a 26-foot Regulator Center Console. Details about what caused the boats to collide have not yet been released.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Marine Patrol Division is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. As of the latest reports, no charges have been filed against either boat operator in connection with the incident.

Authorities confirmed that the operator of the Avid vessel, which carried the Sherman family, escaped injury. Similarly, the person operating the Regulator vessel was unharmed in the collision that claimed Brittney's life.

Search Efforts Complicated By Water Conditions

Emergency responders faced significant challenges locating Sherman in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's collision. The bayou's murky waters severely limited visibility for divers and rescue teams attempting to find the missing mother.

After suspending operations overnight, search and rescue personnel resumed their efforts early Monday morning. At approximately 10:50 a.m., almost 17 hours after the accident, they finally recovered Sherman's body from the water.

The Fox News Digital report indicated that Sherman was found about 100 yards from the spot where witnesses saw her enter the water after being thrown from the boat. The Mobile County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet released details about the official cause of death.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

This heartbreaking incident offers important takeaways for anyone who spends time on the water. While accidents can happen at any time and to anyone, we can take steps to reduce risk and increase safety.

1. Always wear personal flotation devices. Even strong swimmers can be incapacitated or disoriented in turbulent water after a crash. Wearing a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death when seconds count.

2. Operate vessels with awareness and caution. Whether you're the driver or a passenger, understanding safe boating practices—including speed limits, right-of-way rules, and avoiding distractions—can help prevent collisions.

3. Never assume conditions are safe. Murky water, submerged obstacles, and limited visibility can all increase danger. It's vital to stay alert and follow all safety protocols every time you're on the water. And while preparation is key, it's essential to remember that nobody is to blame for becoming a victim—accidents and tragedies can happen despite following all precautions.

Why this story matters

This story resonates not only because of its heartbreaking consequences but also because it serves as a reminder of how quickly lives can change. A seemingly ordinary family outing turned catastrophic in an instant. By bringing attention to incidents like these, the community can advocate for safer boating practices and spotlight the importance of water safety education. Honoring Brittney Sherman’s memory also means fostering a deeper collective responsibility toward protecting lives on Alabama’s waterways.

Conclusion

On June 15, Brittney Sherman spent a day on Bayou Sara with her husband and children, which tragically ended in her death after their boat collided with another vessel. The 27-year-old mother was thrown overboard during the crash, and her body was recovered the following morning by search crews. Two others—Cody Sherman and their 4-year-old child—sustained injuries, while the operators of both boats were unharmed. The sudden loss has left her family, friends, and the greater Mobile County community searching for answers and healing. Authorities continue to urge all boaters to take safety seriously in the wake of this tragedy.