need to know
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The Athens-Clarke County Police Department said 21-year-old George Whittenburg died after his parked Toyota Tundra “began to reverse, strike and overturn him.”
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The incident is still under investigation
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Whittenberg is a student at the University of Georgia and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity
Late last month, a 21-year-old University of Georgia student was struck and killed by his own truck, authorities said. Today, he is remembered for his deep faith, courage and sense of purpose.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department said in a news release that the department first responded to a single-vehicle crash that occurred in the 300 block of Peabody Street on the evening of Jan. 28.
According to the investigation, police said the victim, later identified as George Whittenberg, was standing outside the driver’s side door of his parked 2018 Toyota Tundra “when the vehicle began to reverse, striking and rolling over him.”
Police added that the Tundra continued to move backwards, hitting an empty vehicle before coming to rest after hitting a tree.
Whittenberg died at a hospital two days later, police said. The investigation is ongoing.
Whittenberg grew up in Austin, Texas, and was a junior accounting major at the University of Georgia, according to his obituary.
“Shortly after entering college, George began spending his time serving others in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, inmates seeking recovery at Porter House, Krewe missions, and in daily interactions with others,” his obituary read. “George became a man committed to serving our Lord with sacrificial joy, willing to go wherever God called him. George’s close relationship with God, especially at such a young age, was a blessing to those around him.”
Relatives recalled in his obituary, “He was vulnerable yet courageous… both humble and wise. George struck a rare balance, embracing lighthearted joy in everyday life while maintaining a deep and reverent respect for the sacred.”
According to his obituary, Whittenberg was hit by a truck in his driveway on January 28 as he prepared to have dinner and play basketball with friends.
He is survived by his parents and two sisters.
His obituary read: “We bear witness to this truth, remember George’s legacy, and celebrate the completion of God’s work in George on earth. We are relieved that George is now well and rejoicing in the arms of Jesus.”
A prayer vigil attended by hundreds was held in honor of Whittenberg on February 2 at the Sigma Phi Epsilon House in Athens red and black reported. Whittenberg was a member of the fraternity.
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“He accomplished his purpose,” Sigma Phi Epsilon President Wells Muller reportedly said. red and black.
“He mentored a younger generation. He loved and cared about God’s creation because he loved flying fish. But having said that, he has touched all of our lives,” Mueller said. “I hope this is a wake-up call for many of us to love each other from the bottom of our hearts, cultivate friendships with each other, and more importantly, find faith in God.”
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