Former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen passed away in a car wreck Sunday morning, as confirmed by Auburn Athletics spokesperson Kirk Sampson.
A member of the 2010 National Championship team, Lutzenkirchen was just 23 at the time of his passing.
According to Gordy Wright, director of the public information office at the Georgia State Patrol, a one-vehicle crash was reported in Troup County around 3:05 a.m. that resulted in two fatalities and two injuries.
Lutzenkirchen, who was a passenger in the back seat of a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, was ejected from the vehicle after it failed to stop at a stop sign and traveled approximately 451 feet out of control through a church yard and overturned several times.
Lutzenkirchen was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Joseph Davis, a 22-year old from Atlanta, was the driver of the vehicle and passed away from his injuries after being partially ejected.
Two other passengers, Elizabeth Craig and Christian Case, are being treated for their injuries at the West Georgia Medical Center.
Blood was taken from the driver to determine if alcohol played a role in the accident.
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement that Lutzenkirchen was "a great young man who touched the lives of everyone he knew in a positive way."
"On the field, Philip was a great player and competitor, but more importantly, he was a great teammate and friend off the field. My thoughts and prayers are with Philip's parents, Mike and Mary, and all of his family and friends who are grieving his passing. This is a sad day for the entire Auburn family. I find peace knowing that even though Philip was taken from us too soon, that he lived his life to the fullest, leaving a lifetime of great memories for his family and friends to cherish forever."
Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs also praised the character of Lutzenkirchen in a released statement.
"Philip's death is a devastating tragedy for his family, the Auburn family and his countless friends. Today is also a profoundly sad day for the Auburn Athletics family, who loved and respected Philip not only as a great player but more importantly as a friend and the epitome of an Auburn man. I came to know Philip well and I admired everything about who he was and the way he lived his life. He had a strong faith, a big heart and a burning desire to help others. Philip was a bright light this world desperately needed, and his death leaves a void that can't possibly be filled. My prayers, my thoughts and my heart go out to his wonderful parents, Mike and Mary, their entire family and his many grieving friends."
Former head coach Gene Chizik, who coached Lutzenkirchen from 2009 to 2012, released this statement on the passing.
"Philip Lutzenkirchen was what every parent aspires their son to be. He was compassionate, determined, honorable and full of love, integrity and respect. In 27 years of coaching, I have come across what I would consider to be a few 'rare' young men. Phillip was certainly one of those 'rare' ones. He truly lived his life for other people and always found time to give to others. His family values taught him to be a great friend and teammate of everyone he came in contact with. My deepest sympathy is extended to his parents Mike and Mary, his sisters, and all of his extended family. We should all begin by honoring his life because he lived a life worthy of that. In his 23 short years, he has certainly left an impactful legacy to everyone he touched. I will miss him deeply."
A standout tight end who caught the go-ahead touchdown against Alabama in 2010, Lutzenkirchen caught 59 passes for 628 yards and 14 touchdowns during his collegiate career.
A hip injury in 2012 ended his Auburn career and led to his release from the St. Louis Rams at the professional level.
Since his retirement from football, Lutzenkirchen had been working as a position coach at the St. James School in Montgomery, Alabama.
Auburn fans, coaches and players gave their condolences on social media after Lutzenkirchen's passing.
"The Auburn Family is broken today with the loss of a great Auburn man and friend Phillip Lutzenkirchen. Crushed and without words." -- Auburn offensive coordinator @RhettLashlee
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn remembered his former tight end on Twitter Sunday afternoon.
"We lost a great Auburn man today in Philip Lutzenkirchen. His character and positive influence will be remembered forever." -- @CoachGusMalzahn
Recent Auburn tight end commitment Jalen Harris was coached by Lutzenkirchen at St. James and shared his reaction on Twitter.
"I swear nobody can feel my pain right now. I loved this man so much, he was one of the best things that ever happened to me. RIP Coach Lutz" -- @jalenharris9
New men's basketball head coach Bruce Pearl also extended his condolences via Twitter Sunday afternoon.
"Hearts are Heavy with the loss of Philip Lutzenkirchen ! Please keep his family in your thoughts & Prayer ! #AuburnMan" -- @coachbrucepearl
Check back at ThePlainsman.com for further details on the situation.
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