The Auburn University community and beyond mourns the loss of Philip Lutzenkirchen, a former Tigers tight end who died in a car crash early Sunday morning in LaGrange, Ga.

According to the Associated Press, the car Lutzenkirchen was in was the only vehicle involved in the crash. The 23-year-old was a passenger in the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe when he was thrown from the vehicle in the crash.

The driver, Joseph Ian Davis, 22, also died in the wreck after being thrown partially from the car. Authorities said there were two other passengers who were injured. Police took a sample of Davis' blood to test for alcohol.

"On the field, Philip was a great player and competitor, but more importantly, he was a great teammate and friend off the field," Aurburn head football coach Gus Malzahn said in a team news release. "My thoughts and prayers are with Philip's parents, Mike and Mary, and all of his family and friends who are grieving his passing. This is a sad day for the entire Auburn family.

"I find peace knowing that even though Philip was taken from us too soon, that he lived his life to the fullest, leaving a lifetime of great memories for his family and friends to cherish forever."

Lutzenkirchen played tight end for the Tigers when they won the National Championship in 2010. His coach on that team, Gene Chizick said in the release the young man "was what every parent aspires their son to be."

The former Auburn Tiger's college football career ended in 2012 when Lutzenkirchen had to get hip surgery, but he later signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Rams. However, the team later waived him and Lutzenkirchen went on to work at a wealth management company in Alabama while volunteering as a local high school assistant coach.

"He had a strong faith, a big heart and a burning desire to help others," Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said in the release. "Philip was a bright light this world desperately needed, and his death leaves a void that can't possibly be filled. My prayers, my thoughts and my heart go out to his wonderful parents, Mike and Mary, their entire family and his many grieving friends."