Former Georgia football player Gleaton Jones dead at 21 after car accident

Former Georgia football player Gleaton Jones is dead at 21 years old, the UGA student newspaper The Red and Black reported. Jones died after sustaining injuries in a car accident that occurred while he was on a hunting trip.

Jones joined the Bulldogs football team in 2021 after playing high school football at nearby Deerfield-Windsor in Albany, Georgia. He walked on to the team and was a member of the national title winning squad in 2021.

In addition to his time on the football field, Gleaton Jones was involved in track and basketball during high school and maintained Presidential Honors throughout his academic career before coming to Georgia.

Jones suffered a severe brain injury as a result of the accident according to the report. He did not appear in a game this past season and was no longer with the team.

“Gleaton lived life to the fullest and emoted joy and enthusiasm in every endeavor,” Jones’ obituary page reads. “For such a tender age, he created a full life for himself, and for others, by investing deeply in his family, friends, fraternity, and service to others through his growing faith. Known by his closest friends as ‘Gleat,’ he was described as simply joyful and magnetic.”

“There was no room big enough that his bright light was unable to fill. By all accounts, he was well-liked, popular, and charming, but even more so, humble, kind, empathetic, and personable- making his friends feel loved and important. His light-heartedness and joyful disposition could lift others to happiness, and his listening skills often gave peace of mind and encouragement.”

Jones is survived by his parents Marlin and Kirk Jones, and his brother, Cole. He was set to graduate in the spring with a marketing degree and planned to return home to help work the family farm.

“Gleaton’s Southwest Georgia roots ran deeply,” the obituary page reads. “A lover of the outdoors, he was an avid hunter and had a sincere interest in and appreciation for God’s creation. As a child, he would talk about his love of tractors and wanting to farm like his daddy and granddaddy.

“Whether in the mountains skiing with family or taking countless hunting trips with friends, he made cherished memories and found pure joy in taking in the blessings of the outdoors with those he loved.”

Porterfield Methodist Church, where the Jones family are active members, held a prayer service on Dec. 11, attended by friends and community members. The church also made its sanctuary available for private prayers.