Philip Lutzenkirchen's Sister Abby Pens Letter To Honor Former Auburn TE After Fatal Car Accident

The sister of the late Philip Lutzenkirchen penned a touching letter in honor of the former Auburn University tight end, who died in a June 29 car accident.

Abby Lutzenkirchen, a soccer player at the University of Alabama, wrote the note for AL.com before her brother’s public memorial service. In the letter, she describes the loving relationship that the two shared during his life. Here’s a sample of her account:

“Philip was like the typical over-protective big brother, scaring every (and any) boy that I even attempted to bring around my family. But, what Philip never knew was that I always looked for someone with the same qualities as him, and I will always continue to do that throughout the next stage in my life. There was no one better than that big lug of a brother I had. We never had a dull moment together. When Philip was around, our family never stopped laughing and we always felt so loved because Philip made sure he went above and beyond for us. Philip would have made the perfect husband, dad, and uncle -- and it pains my family that we will never get to experience the rest of our lives with one of our absolute favorite people. I am forever grateful for being born into this amazing family and by having someone as amazing as Philip to look up to.”

She also fondly recalled how her brother would tease her for choosing to play at Alabama, his school’s archrival. As Deadspin notes, Philip Lutzenkirchen had previously written an essay about the sibling rivalry for SB Nation.

Lutzenkirchen, 23, was killed in a car accident along with the vehicle’s driver, former Georgia baseball player Ian Davis. Two other passengers were also injured in the crash. Police told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer that Lutzenkirchen was not wearing a seat belt.

Abby Lutzenkirchen’s letter can be viewed here.