The Georgia Bulldogs football program is mourning the loss of former linebacker Akeem Hebron, who died over the weekend at 34 years old.
Georgia football confirmed Hebron’s passing in a tweet on Sunday evening.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a beloved member of the Bulldog family, Akeem Hebron,” the tweet read. “His dedication to Georgia Football will always be remembered. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
As of Monday morning, his cause of death remained unclear.
Hebron, a Maryland native, played for the Bulldogs from 2008-10, logging 10 tackles and one sack in 16 games.
Georgia’s best year when he was there was 2008, when it finished No. 13 in the AP poll with a record of 10-3.
He graduated with a degree from Georgia, with then-coach Mark Richt telling the Times Free Press at the he was proud of the maturing Hebron did after his early career was derailed by a suspension.
“A good thing happened to Georgia and to him,” Richt told the publication, per On3.com. “The greatest thing, I think, that’s happened to him is that he’s grown into a man. That’s one of the biggest things that college is all about. He’s a good man, and he’s proved that, and I’m really proud of him.”
It’s been a tough year for the Georgia football program, despite the team coming off back-to-back national championships.
In January, after the Bulldogs defeated TCU in the national championship, offensive lineman Devin Willock and team staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in a fiery crash in Athens following a team celebration.
Jalen Carter, one of Georgia’s best players and an eventual first-round pick by the Eagles, was cited for racing in the moments leading up to the crash.
