Former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen died early Sunday in a car accident. According to Georgia State Patrol, Lutzenkirchen was traveling south of LaGrange, Georgia, as a passenger in a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe at approximately 3:05 a.m., when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Upper Big Springs Road and Lower Big Springs Road. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which overturned several times in the one-car accident.
Driver Joseph Ian Davis was also killed, and two other passengers were injured and transported to West Georgia Medical Center.
An outpouring of support from Auburn players and coaches was almost immediate, including this tweet from Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall draft pick of the St. Louis Rams this year. Robinson and Lutzenkirchen were Auburn teammates for two years.
Lutzenkirchen was with the Rams in training camp last year but was cut before the start of the regular season.
St. Louis general manager Les Snead released a statement on Lutzenkirchen's death:
"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 Fisher's ties to the university through his son Trent and daughter Tara, we join the Tigers in grieving this tragic loss."
The 23-year-old was a member of Auburn's 2010 national championship team. He scored 14 career touchdowns for the Tigers, including the game-winner vs. Alabama in the 2010 "Iron Bowl" on a pass from Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. Lutzenkirchen's college career was ended by a hip injury in 2012.
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