Yesterday, the Auburn family experienced the loss of a bright young soul when we heard the news that former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen died in a car crash early Sunday morning. Most of us couldn’t believe it when we heard the news; as a recent and local alumni, Philip could be seen on campus quite often, especially during and around football season. Many of us here on campus had the opportunity to not only meet him, but to get to know him in classes and at social events downtown as well. Humble and modest, Philip would always stop for a picture or autograph for a fan or a friend. A beloved coach, teammate, and friend, his time came too soon at twenty three years of age.
The manner in which the Auburn family has come together to mourn the death of one of its members has shown how strong we are not only as a community, but as a true family. We at Auburn believe in and support one another from our first days on campus to our last days on this earth. We have once again come together as one united community, although sadly, to grieve the loss of a wonderful human being who we were lucky enough to call our own.
This tragic event really struck a chord for me personally when I heard the news of Philip’s death yesterday afternoon. Although I didn’t know him personally, I was immediately saddened and even more so affected by the news, because it really made me think about my life and how precious it is. It made me realize that anything can happen at any time, when we least expect it, and can change, alter the course, or end our lives in an instant.
Philip, you will forever be in our hearts and memory as one of Auburn’s most beloved members. You will never be forgotten, and may you rest in peace.
War Eagle.
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