A 16-year-old teenager from Georgia died in an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accident on October 12.
Wyatt Vincent Murphy, received treatment at Navicent Hospital in Macon before his death. Wyatt was a proud member of the East Laurens High School varsity football team, and his school has since expressed their grief through touching tributes on social media.
The school district’s Facebook page shared a heartfelt message, stating, “Our hearts are heavy as we announce the untimely passing of our East Laurens High School Falcon, Wyatt Murphy.” The post was accompanied by photographs of Wyatt, showcasing his radiant smile while dressed in his football gear.
The family, in Wyatt’s obituary, reminisced about the time of his birth. They recalled how the doctors noted his large shoulders and playfully suggested he would be a formidable football player someday. Wyatt’s passion for sports was evident, as he also participated in East Laurens’ basketball and wrestling teams.
Beyond his sporting endeavors, Wyatt had a profound spiritual commitment. He had dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized on September 5, 2021. He was an active participant in the Youth Group at Brewton Baptist Church. Many of his closest friends were from this very group.
When not on the field or at church, Wyatt enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking with his uncles. He also spent quality time working around his family’s farm. Wyatt’s funeral took place at the Brewton Baptist Church this past Tuesday.
In a testament to his love for sports, instead of flowers, the Murphy family requested that donations be made to East Laurens High School’s football team.
ATV-related accidents are not uncommon. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recent figures, there’s an annual average of 700 deaths connected to Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV), inclusive of ATVs. From 2016 to 2018 alone, OHV-related accidents resulted in 2,211 deaths.
