Galveston Island has been struck with tragedy as a beloved Houston public relations maven, Susan Farb Morris, known to many as the "PR Fairy," met an untimely demise when her home's balcony collapsed due to deteriorated nails. The Houston Chronicle reports that the porch collapse occurred around 2:15 p.m. last Friday on Kahala Drive East, leaving Morris with significant injuries that proved fatal.

The structure's failure appears to have been caused by old, corroded nails, which led to the deck's collapse. An inspector found a deck tag from 1994, the year the home was constructed, suggesting the hardware had outlived its safe usage span. According to the Houston Chronicle, decking companies often recommend wood decks be replaced every 15 to 20 years. However, the home had not been subjected to an inspection since 2008.

Her death has resonated through the Houston community, where Morris was a familiar face and supporter of many local organizations and nonprofits. As referred by the Chron, Joy Partain, a friend and fellow publicist, lauded Morris for generously sharing her "PR Fairy Dust" even after her retirement.

"She was someone who didn’t brag about her connections because she didn’t need to," Houston Symphony senior director of communications Eric Skelly acknowledged in a statement obtained by the Chron. Morris' impact was especially felt in the cultural sector, with clients from various disciplines, including the reputable Texas Music Festival. General and artistic director Alan Austin credited Morris for raising the festival’s media profile, noting "She never took on a project that she couldn't passionately support."

The sudden loss underscores the urgency for property maintenance, particularly in coastal areas where the salt air accelerates the wear on metal components. As local contractor Robert B. Berg explained to ABC13, "When salt hits metal, it turns to rust. If you don’t stop it or know that it’s happening, it will happen inside the wood," hinting at the hidden dangers that can have devastating consequences.