Barton Andrew Weitzel Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the names of those involved in a deadly crash on Highway 23 in Burke County that occurred early Monday morning, leaving a motorcyclist dead. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office reported that the victim was 59-year-old Barton Andrew Weitzel of Waynesboro. Deputies were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:27 a.m. after receiving reports of a serious accident between Jack Delaigle Road and Hancock Landing Road.
Investigators determined that the crash began when a large deer unexpectedly entered the roadway. The animal struck Weitzel’s motorcycle as he was traveling along Highway 23. The impact caused Weitzel to lose control of his motorcycle, sending him into a dangerous situation on the highway.
Within moments of the initial collision, tragedy escalated when Weitzel was struck by a pickup truck that had been traveling in the same direction. Authorities identified the driver of that truck as 60-year-old Kirk Brigham of Girard, Georgia. Brigham was not injured in the accident, and officials noted that he remained at the scene and cooperated fully with deputies.
Emergency responders quickly arrived, but despite their efforts, Weitzel was pronounced dead at the scene. His injuries were too severe to survive the sequence of events, which involved both the deer strike and the subsequent collision with the pickup truck.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division is leading the investigation into the crash. While wildlife collisions are not uncommon in Georgia’s rural areas, incidents like this highlight how dangerous such encounters can be, especially for motorcyclists who lack the protective structure of a vehicle.
Authorities did not indicate whether speed or other factors played a role in the crash but emphasized that the unexpected presence of the deer was the primary cause of the initial loss of control. Deer-related crashes tend to spike in the early morning and evening hours, when animals are most active and visibility is often limited.
Highway 23, which runs through portions of Burke County, is known for stretches of wooded areas and rural landscape where wildlife frequently cross. Safety officials have long urged drivers, particularly motorcyclists, to remain cautious in such areas, as deer collisions can happen suddenly and with devastating consequences.
For Weitzel’s family and community, the accident brought sudden loss and grief. At 59 years old, he is remembered by friends as a longtime Waynesboro resident whose life was cut short in an unpredictable tragedy. The sheriff’s office has not yet announced whether further findings, such as toxicology results, will be released as part of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks drivers face on rural highways, where even a routine commute can turn deadly in seconds due to factors beyond human control. The investigation remains active, with authorities working to finalize their findings.
