UGA student killed when run over by pickup truck

The following was released this afternoon by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department

On January 28, 2026, at approximately 7:35 p.m., ACCPD officers responded to a single-vehicle

crash in the 300 block of Peabody Street.

The investigation determined that a 2018 Toyota Tundra was parked along Peabody Street

while the driver, George Whittenburg, a 21-year-old UGA studen of Austin, Texas, was standing

outside the driver’s door. The vehicle began rolling in reverse, striking and rolling over

Whittenburg. The Tundra continued backward, striking an unoccupied vehicle before coming to

rest after hitting a tree.

Whittenburg sustained visible injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. On

January 30, 2026, he succumbed to his injuries after his condition worsened. Whittenburg

This crash marks the first traffic fatality in Athens-Clarke County in 2026.

The incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is

encouraged to contact Senior Police Officer Trotter at James.Trotter@accgov.com or 762-400-

73