Breaking News: Erk Russell Believed Killed in Auto Accident

by T Kyle King on Sep 8, 2006 10:26 AM EDT in News

I just received a telephone call conveying what I believe is reliable information . . . but what I hope is a terrible mistake.

According to a source that I believe to be credible, former Georgia defensive coordinator and former Georgia Southern head coach Erk Russell, one of the most beloved figures in Bulldog football history, was killed in an automobile accident this morning.

This is breaking news and I will report more details as I learn them. Once again, I hope this is an error, but the call came from a trustworthy source and I wanted to get the news out there as quickly as possible.

Erskine Russell, R.I.P.

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I can't believe this.

The coroner in Bulloch County has confirmed this. The accident was the result of a stroke. The coroner believes he was dead before the car struck the pole.

I am at a loss for words. Truly a tragedy and a huge loss for both UGA and GSU. Erk was a great Bulldog and a great Eagle.

RIP Erk.

by SavDawg on Sep 8, 2006 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

Confirmation

Although the Atlanta Journal-Constitution did not yet have the story at the time the initial report appeared here at Dawg Sports, we now have confirmation of the story's accuracy.

This is a terrible, tragic loss to Bulldog Nation and to the Georgia Southern family. The Russell family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Coach Russell, you will be missed. G.A.T.A.

by T Kyle King on Sep 8, 2006 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

Breaking News: Erk Russell Believed Killed in Auto

Erk suffered a stroke after leaving a store where he got coffee every morning. Statesboro is pretty much reeling. People around the state really do not know how much of an icon Erk is in Statesboro. GSU was less than 5000 students in 1981 and losing enrollment. When Erk retired in 1989, GSU was over 10K and growing. Today GSU is around 17K and Statesboro is a tremendously prosperous and growing community. Erk is a testament to the greatness that is college sports. He lived a full life.

by doubledawg on Sep 8, 2006 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

Amen, Double Dawg

I always pull for the Eagles (except on those rare occasions when G.S.U. plays between the hedges) purely out of reverence for Erk, a great coach and a better man.

He embodied everything that was good about the game.

by T Kyle King on Sep 8, 2006 12:19 PM EDT reply actions