WAYNESBORO, Ga. — A Waynesboro resident lost his life early Monday morning in a tragic accident involving a deer and a pickup truck on Highway 23. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victim as 59-year-old Barton Andrew Weitzel, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash happened at approximately 6:27 a.m. between Jack Delaigle Road and Hancock Landing Road. Deputies said a large deer suddenly entered the road from the southern shoulder and collided with Weitzel’s westbound motorcycle. The impact caused him to lose control of the bike and be thrown onto the roadway.
Moments later, a westbound pickup truck traveling behind the motorcycle struck Weitzel. Authorities identified the driver as 60-year-old Kirk Brigham of Girard. Brigham was not injured in the crash, and investigators noted that he had no time to avoid hitting Weitzel after the initial collision with the deer.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Weitzel’s injuries were too severe, and he was declared deceased at the scene. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the sequence of events and is expected to release additional findings once the case is reviewed.
In a statement released Monday, the sheriff’s office expressed deep sympathy for the victim’s loved ones. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Weitzel during this difficult time,” officials wrote, adding that the tragedy has weighed heavily on the local community.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife on Georgia’s rural highways, particularly during early morning hours when visibility is limited and deer are most active. As the investigation continues, residents in the area have been urged to remain cautious and alert while traveling. The loss of Barton Andrew Weitzel has left a void in Waynesboro, where he was known and respected, and his passing is being mourned widely among family, friends, and neighbors.