On Wednesday, Porterfield Methodist Church in Albany held a prayer service after it emerged that a former University of Georgia football player was involved in a car crash a day before. The accident occurred during what was reportedly a hunting trip on St. Georgia Island. The 21-year-old Gleaton Jones, a walk-on running back for UGA suffered a severe brain injury and was placed in a Florida hospital’s intensive care unit.

The overwhelming wave of love and solidarity swept across social media, with the hashtag #PrayForGleaton trending. The Porterfield Methodist Church made a Facebook post asking the public to “Pray every brain cell and every fiber of his being to be healed in the name of Jesus.” Jones underwent emergency surgery but was taken off life support on Friday morning and tragically passed away shortly afterward.

The UGA Barstool X account announced his loss on Friday afternoon, writing, “We are deeply saddened to share that former UGA walk-on running back Gleaton Jones has passed away in an ICU after a fatal car crash. Gleaton was an all-state football player at Deerfield- Windsor School and 2021 CFB National Champion. Prayers and condolences to his family.” They also shared a post on Instagram remembering him as someone who “proudly wore the red and black and will be remembered by us all. Fly high Gleaton.” 

The post also drew a reaction from his brother.

Jones’s brother, Cole, commented, “Gleat fights on. Damn good Dawg and a damn good brother.” On Monday, December 16th at 2 p.m., Wynfield Plantation will serve as the backdrop for a memorial that will undoubtedly be filled with tears, memories, and collective mourning for a young man who represented the very spirit of perseverance and team dedication.

Jones enrolled in the Deerfield-Windsor Academy before joining Georgia in 2021. During his high school career, he rushed for 154 yards, gaining 3.3 yards per carry, and scoring one touchdown in his final season. Furthermore, the Georgia native was a member of Dawgs under Kirby Smart as a freshman who accomplished notable milestones, like as winning consecutive national titles in 2021 and 2022.

Though he did not see extensive playtime under Coach Kirby Smart, his contributions to the team, especially as part of the roster of a victorious championship squad were valuable.

The UGA football program and the collegiate sports community rallied behind Jones’ family offering condolences and support while mourning the young loss of life.

College football community grieves the loss of Gleaton Jones at 21

Commenting on the tragedy a user wrote, “Football comes and goes. But family is permanent. I pray to the Lord Jesus Christ that He gives the entire Jones family peace that passes all understanding.” His athletic career may have been brief but he left an impression on those who met him and saw him play. This was highlighted by a user who shared his experience of meeting Gleaton Jones.

“I didn’t know Gleaton super well but I was walking back to my buddies house after the Umass game when I walked by Gleaton’s house which is right by my friends. Gleaton saw me from inside the house and rushed outside to greet me and hugged me and was genuinely happy to see me. That was the kind of person he was. Praying for all of Gleaton’s Family and Friends. Hug your friends today,” they wrote.

Another user also offered words of condolence writing, “Oh no, this is so sad. God bless his soul and praying for his family. Oh no! Prayers for his family and the Georgia family. Lots of prayers for his family and friends.”

Fans are also aware that it was a significant loss for Kirby Smart’s Georgia football, in addition to the Jones family. Because of this, one fan wrote, “Prayers up for the entire Jones family and the Dawgs.” “Prayers for his family and friends,” said another fan.

We extend our condolences to Jones’ family and hope they find peace.