College Student, 21, Was Going to Meet Friends When He Was Run Over by His Own Truck in Freak Incident
George Whittenburg, a University of Georgia student, was remembered as “disarmingly vulnerable yet courageous … both humble and wise”
David Chiu
Tue, February 10, 2026 at 10:38 PM UTC
3 min read
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George Whittenburg, 21, died after his parked Toyota Tundra "began rolling in reverse, striking and rolling over him," the Athens-Clarke County Police Department said
The incident is still under investigation
Whittenburg was a student at the University of Georgia and a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity
A 21-year-old University of Georgia student died late last month after he was hit by his own truck, authorities said. Now he's being remembered for his depth of faith, his courage and his sense of purpose.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department first responded to the single-vehicle crash in the 300 block of Peabody Street on the early evening of Jan. 28, the department said in a news release.
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Based on an investigation, police said the victim, later identified as George Whittenburg, was standing outside the driver's side door of his parked 2018 Toyota Tundra when “the vehicle began rolling in reverse, striking and rolling over him.”
The Tundra continued moving backward and hit an unoccupied vehicle before it stopped after colliding with a tree, police added.
Whittenburg died two days later in the hospital, police said. An investigation is ongoing.
According to an obituary, Whittenburg, who grew up in Austin, Texas, was a third-year student at the University of Georgia studying accounting.
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“Shortly after arriving at college, George began to dedicate his time ministering to others in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, prisoners pursuing recovery at The Potter’s House, Cru missions, and in his everyday interactions with others,” his obituary reads. “George became a man committed to serving our Lord with sacrificial joy, willing to go wherever God called him. George’s intimate relationship with God, particularly at such a young age, was a blessing to all around him.”
Loved ones remembered him in his obituary as “disarmingly vulnerable yet courageous … both humble and wise. George struck a rare balance, embracing a light‑hearted joy in everyday life while holding a deep and reverent respect for the sacred.”
According to his obituary, Whittenburg was in his driveway and about to head off to meet with friends for dinner and basketball on Jan. 28 when he was hit by his truck.
He is survived by his parents and two sisters.
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“We bear witness to that truth, remember George’s legacy, and celebrate that God’s work in George on earth was completed. We take comfort knowing that George is now restored and rejoicing in the arms of Jesus,” his obituary reads.
On Feb. 2, a prayer vigil attended by hundreds was held in Whittenburg’s memory at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house in Athens The Red & Black reported. Whittenburg was a member of the fraternity.
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“He fulfilled his purpose,” said Wells Muller, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon, according to The Red & Black.
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“He mentored younger generations. He loved and cared for God’s creation, because he loved to fly fish. But all that being said, he has touched all of our lives,” Muller said. “I hope this is a wake up call for a lot of us all, from our hearts, to love one another, foster each other's friendships and more importantly, find your faith in God.”
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