16-Year-Old Dies in ATV Accident at Friend’s Home: ‘Our Hearts Are Heavy’

A Georgia community is mourning the loss of a teenager who died while spending time at a friend’s home last week.

Wyatt Vincent Murphy, 16, died in an all-terrain vehicle accident on Oct. 12, his obituary said.

He was treated at Navicent Hospital in Macon before his death.

Wyatt Vincent Murphy from Georgia.

GoFundMe

Murphy was a member of the East Laurens High School varsity football team, and his school district’s Facebook page shared kind words in his memory.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our East Laurens High School Falcon, Wyatt Murphy,” began the post, which included photos of him smiling in full gear.

Two uploads show his teammates holding his number 36 jersey while on the field.

In the tribute, it was said that the young athlete’s “good heart and generous spirit will be missed by all who loved him. We are grateful for the short time we had in our lives.”

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“In times like these, you have to rely on each other to get strength. Please keep his family, friends, teammates, teachers and the Falcon community in your thoughts and prayers as they work through yet another loss. Fly high, Wyatt! You’ve earned your eternal wings,” the school district continued.

His family believed that he was destined to become a footballer.

“Wyatt’s life has been a true gift from the very beginning. When Wyatt was born, the doctors noticed the size of his shoulders and said that one day he would be a great football player,” his obituary reads.

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During his high school career, he joined both the East Laurens basketball and wrestling teams.

“We will always appreciate the guidance and love shown to him by his coaches,” the family said.

Murphy also dedicated his life to Christ, according to his obituary. On September 5, 2021, he was baptized and “enjoyed attending the Youth Group at Brewton Baptist Church.”

Relatives said some of Murphy’s closest friends were part of his youth group.

Wyatt Vincent Murphy.

Townsend Funeral Home

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking with his uncles and doing chores around the family property.

Murphy’s funeral was held Tuesday at Brewton Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, Murphy’s family has requested that donations be made to the East Laurens High School Football Team at 1010 US Hwy 80, East Dublin, Georgia, 31027.

According to the latest data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there is an annual average of 700 deaths related to off-road vehicles (OHVs), which includes ATVs. Report of the Commission for 2016-2018. showed 2,211 deaths during that period from OHV-related accidents.

ATV.

Getty

This summer, another Georgia teenager died after operating an ATV.

Kyleigh Rampley, 14, was riding with her 8-year-old cousin when her ATV went off the road on May 26.

A press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, obtained by PEOPLE, said Rampley was “critically injured” after he was ejected from his 2017 Mahindra ATV after it struck a wire on Cherokee County 102 “and overturned themselves”.

“Kyleigh will be greatly missed at our church,” State Line Baptist Church said in a Facebook tribute. “She loved the Lord and her Church.”

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Source: HIS Education