UGA Student Dies After Being Struck by Rolling Truck in Athens

Student Killed in Single-Vehicle Incident on Peabody Street

A University of Georgia student died on January 30, 2026, after being injured in a single-vehicle incident on Peabody Street in Athens, Georgia, according to authorities.

Athens-Clarke County police said officers responded to a call about a vehicle accident in the 300 block of Peabody Street. When they arrived, they found 21-year-old George Whittenburg, a University of Georgia student from Austin, Texas, with visible injuries at the scene.

Investigation Details Sequence of Events

Investigators determined that a 2018 Toyota Tundra was parked along Peabody Street while Whittenburg was standing outside the driver’s door. Police reported that the truck began rolling in reverse, striking Whittenburg and then rolling over him.

According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the Toyota Tundra continued moving backward after striking Whittenburg. The vehicle did not stop until it hit another unoccupied vehicle and then a tree. No additional injuries were reported in connection with that secondary impact.

Victim Taken to Hospital and Later Dies

Police said Whittenburg was transported from the scene to a local hospital for treatment after officers discovered his injuries. Authorities reported that his condition later worsened. On January 30, Whittenburg succumbed to his injuries.

Officials confirmed that this incident is classified as a single-car crash. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department stated that the crash represents the first traffic fatality in Athens-Clarke County in 2026.

Case Remains Under Active Investigation

Authorities said the crash remains under active investigation. Athens-Clarke County Police are seeking additional information from the public about what happened on Peabody Street.

Police requested that anyone with information about the case contact Senior Police Officer James Trotter by email at James.Trotter@accgov.com or by phone at 762-400-7326.