Woman Killed In Boat Explosion Was PTSA President

WOODSTOCK, GA — The Woodstock community is mourning the loss of a mother who died over the weekend in a boating accident in the Bahamas. Maleka Jackson, who was celebrating her 15th wedding anniversary with her husband, Tiran, died when a boat exploded Saturday just minutes into a trip near the island of Exuma, which is about 130 miles south of Nassau.

Jackson was one of about a dozen people, including 10 Americans, who were on board when the explosion was reported around 9 a.m. June 30, according to ABC News. Video posted on social media showed passengers on a nearby boat jumping into the water in an effort to help victims fleeing the flames.

Jackson was the PTSA president for the 2017-18 school year for Mill Creek Middle School, according to its Facebook page. Jackson's husband was badly burned in the accident and is "fighting for his life" in a Florida hospital.

The couple's son, Cameron, is slated to begin his seventh-grade year at Mill Creek when the 2018-19 school year begins Aug. 1, the school added. A vigil will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 at the tennis court in the Lakestone community, which is located along Highway 92 just east of the Walmart shopping center in Woodstock.

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A GoFundMe page has been created to help the Jackson family cover any medical costs and travel expenses related to getting Tiran Jackson back on American soil. The page, which notes Tiran Jackson had to have a leg amputated, is hoping to raise $100,000. Tiran Jackson has a "long road ahead" in his path to recovery, which will include surgeries and physical therapy. Any funds raised will also be used to help take care of Cameron, who is with out-of-state family members at this time.

"Maleka was a loving mom, dedicated wife, grateful daughter and supportive friend," the page added. "She will be greatly missed and her legacy will live on forever. Thank you in advance for your support of the Jackson family."

Cherokee County School Superintendent Dr. Brian Hightower also expressed his sadness at the news of Jackson's untimely passing.

“We join Mill Creek Middle School in mourning the loss of a wonderful mom, volunteer and leader, who cared so much for her community and its children and teachers,” Dr. Hightower said. “We hope our entire CCSD family will keep the Jacksons in their hearts and prayers and support them in this time of need.”

ABC News notes the cause of the explosion has not been determined at this time and police in Exuma are leading that investigation. If you want to consider making a donation to the Jackson family, visit the GoFundMe page.

Image via GoFundMe, a Patch partner