Former Auburn star Lutzenkirchen dies in car accident
Former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen, a key member of the Tigers' 2010 national championship team, died Sunday morning after an auto accident.
According to Gordy Wright, director of the Georgia State Patrol Public Information Office, authorities were called at approximately 3:05 a.m. to investigate a one-vehicle crash in Troup County, Georgia, that resulted in two fatalities.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Upper Big Springs Road and Lower Big Springs Road, just south of LaGrange.
"A 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling on Upper Big Springs Road and failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Lower Big Springs Road. The Vehicle traveled approximately 451 feet out of control through a church yard and overturned several times before coming to rest on its roof," Wright said in a statement.
Lutzenkirchen, 23, was a passenger in the car and was ejected from the vehicle.
Driver Joseph Ian Davis, 22, was partially ejected and was also killed in the crash. Blood was drawn from the driver to determine if alcohol impairment was a contributing factor.
Also injured in the crash were Elizabeth Ann Seaton Craig, 22, and Christian Tanner Case, 20. Craig — who was ejected in the crash — was taken to West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange. She sustained internal injuries and is still hospitalized.
Case — who was the only person wearing a seat belt during the crash — was treated and released from West Georgia Medical.
Wright said it will be several weeks until the results of the blood test will be revealed. The group reportedly had visited a convenience store prior to the accident.
Lutzenkirchen caught 59 passes for 628 yards and 14 touchdowns at Auburn.
He recently began working in Montgomery, and volunteered as an assistant coach at St. James. He mentored St. James tight end Jalen Harris, who committed to Auburn on Tuesday.
"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," Harris tweeted.
Lutzenkirchen weighs in on St. James TE Jalen Harris committing to Auburn
Lutzenkirchen's Auburn career was cut short against Ole Miss in 2012 after sustaining a hip injury. He signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Rams, but was released four months later because of the same injury.
"Philip's death is a devastating tragedy for his family, the Auburn family and his countless friends," Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said. "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."
He left a legacy as an Auburn tight end, setting school records for touchdown receptions. His 14 touchdown catches is seventh in school history. His seven touchdown catches in 2010 is the most in a season by a tight end. He was also second in receptions and third in receiving yards.
One of Lutzenkirchen's shining moments as a Tiger came in 2010 when he caught the game-winning touchdown pass in a 28-27 win against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Cam Newton hit Lutzenkirchen with a 7-yard pass with 11:55 remaining that gave Auburn its first lead of the day after the Tigers trailed 24-0.
His touchdown celebration dance was known as "The Lutzy" and quickly became a fan favorite.
"I'm deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Philip Lutzenkirchen," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "He 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."
Former Auburn coach Gene Chizik also released a statement saying 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. Philip was certainly one of those 'rare' ones," Chizik said.
"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."
St. Louis Rams General Manager Les Snead:
"I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Philip Lutzenkirchen. During his brief time with the Rams, Philip was a consummate pro. On behalf of the St. Louis Rams organization, we would like to send our condolences to his family. As an Auburn alum myself and with Coach (Jeff) Fisher's ties to the university through his son Trent and daughter Tara, we join the Tigers in grieving this tragic loss."
James Crepea contributed to this report.
