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

"Fly high, Wyatt! You have earned your eternal wings," the teen's high school said in a social media tribute

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

Wyatt Vincent Murphy, 16, was killed in an ATV accident on Oct. 12, according to his obituary.

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

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.

“Our hearts are heavy as we announce the untimely passing of our East Laurens High School Falcon, Wyatt Murphy,” the post, which included photos of him smiling while dressed in full gear, began.

Two uploads featured his teammates holding up his No. 36 jersey while on the field.

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

Related: Old Dominion Forced to Postpone 3 Shows After Matthew Ramsey Fractures His Pelvis in ATV Accident

“It is during times like these that you have to lean on one another for strength. Keep his family, friends, teammates, teachers, and the Falcon community in your thoughts and prayers, as they navigate through another loss. Fly high, Wyatt! You have earned your eternal wings," the school district continued.

His family believed he was destined to become a football player.

“Wyatt’s life was a true gift from the very beginning. When Wyatt was born, the doctors remarked how big his shoulders were and said he would make a great football player someday,” his obituary stated.

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During his high school career, he also joined East Laurens' basketball and wrestling teams.

“We will always cherish the leadership and love poured out to him by his coaches,” the family said.

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

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

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking with his uncles and doing work around his family’s farm.

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

In lieu of flowers, Murphy's family asked that donations be made to East Laurens High School's football team at 1010 US Hwy 80, East Dublin, Georgia, 31027.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's most recent data, there is an annual average of 700 deaths linked to Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV), which includes ATVs. The commission's 2016-2018 report showed 2,211 deaths in that time from OHV-related accidents.

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

Kyleigh Rampley, 14, was driving 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, stated that Rampley was “critically injured” after being ejected from the 2017 Mahindra ATV after it drove up a wire on Cherokee County 102 “and overturned.”

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

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