Gerry Bertier was a high school American football player and Paralympian who became famous for his participation in the 1971 Virginia State Championship football team, T. C. Williams High School, and their portrayal in the Disney film Remember the Titans. He was also a spokesperson for disabled people and a fundraiser for spinal cord injury research. However, his life was cut short by a tragic car accident that claimed his life at the age of 27. In this article, we will explore Gerry Bertier’s cause of death and how it impacted his legacy.
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The First Car Accident that Paralyzed Him
Gerry Bertier’s cause of death was not his first encounter with a car accident. In fact, he was already paralyzed from the waist down due to a previous crash that occurred on December 11, 1971, shortly after he led his team to win the state championship. According to Wikipedia, he was driving his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro with his girlfriend Debbie when he lost control of the vehicle and hit a utility pole. The impact severed his spinal cord and left him wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life.
Despite this devastating injury, Gerry Bertier did not give up on his dreams and aspirations. He continued his education at Northern Virginia Community College and remained an active athlete, participating in various sports such as wheelchair basketball, table tennis, shot put, and discus. He also became a motivational speaker and an advocate for people with disabilities, raising awareness and funds for spinal cord injury research at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The Second Car Accident that Killed Him
Gerry Bertier’s cause of death was a second car accident that happened on March 20, 1981, while he was returning home from a business trip. Driving alone, his southbound 1980 Oldsmobile collided with a northbound car that crossed over the center line on Route 20 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Bertier died nearly two hours later in the University of Virginia hospital from his injuries.
The news of Gerry Bertier’s cause of death shocked and saddened his family, friends, teammates, and fans. He was buried at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia. His funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including his former coach Herman Boone and some of his fellow Titans. His grave is marked by a simple headstone that reads “Gerald A. Bertier #42”.
The Legacy He Left Behind
Gerry Bertier’s cause of death did not diminish his legacy as a football player, a Paralympian, and a humanitarian. He is remembered as one of the best linebackers in high school football history, earning numerous honors and awards for his performance on the field. He is also remembered as a Paralympic champion, winning multiple medals in various events at the 1976 Summer Paralympics in Toronto, Canada. He is also remembered as a role model and an inspiration for people with disabilities, showing them that they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their goals.
Gerry Bertier’s cause of death also inspired many people to honor his memory and continue his work. His sister Becky Britt founded the charity organization ‘Bertier #42 Foundation’ in 2006, dedicated to raising money for research on spinal cord injuries. There is also a gymnasium at Alexandria City High School (formerly T.C. Williams) that bears his name. His story was also immortalized in the 2000 Disney film Remember the Titans, where he was portrayed by actor Ryan Hurst.
Gerry Bertier’s cause of death was a tragic event that ended a remarkable life. However, it also sparked a movement that touched millions of lives around the world. Gerry Bertier’s cause of death was not the end of his story, but rather the beginning of his legacy.
