A senior and football player at Homer High School with Cerebral Palsy, Austin Pitts, died in a car crash on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Hillsdale County, Michigan.
Sadly, the accident happened on the same day he was supposed to celebrate his 18th birthday. His passing has left an emptiness in the hearts of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Austin Pitts is survived by his parents, Neil Pitts and Shawn Bancuk Pitts.
Neil and Shawn, the married couple of 17 years, have yet to publish details about Pitt’s funeral services.
While a tragic single-vehicle crash claimed the life of Austin Pitts, two other 16-year-old passengers sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene.
According to the Michigan State Police, the accident occurred just after 7 p.m. on Genesee Road near Bunn Road in Jonesville.
A 16-year-old boy from Litchfield was driving a 2006 Chevy Silverado when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck went off the road and crashed into a tree stump.
The vehicle carried three teenage passengers, none of whom were wearing seatbelts, resulting in two of them being ejected from the truck.
Austin Pitts, a passenger from Jonesville, sustained severe injuries and was transported to Hillsdale Hospital by Hillsdale EMS, where he was pronounced dead.
The two other teens, both 16, had only minor injuries and chose not to get medical help at the scene.
Authorities have stated that drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Following the tragic incident, his mother, Shawn, broke her silence surrounding his demise, writing:
I see and appreciate everyone reaching out. Right now nothing seems real and we are doing the best we can. Thank you for the love and support ❤️
Shawn Bancuk Pitts
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help his family during this challenging time. So far, more than $6,000 has been collected, bringing them closer to their $8,000 goal.
Likewise, several fundraising events have been organized to help his family with expenses, including one at L and J Lanes this Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Despite Cerebral Palsy, Austin Pitts Thrived in His Homer High School Football Career!
Pitts began his football journey at Homer High School, where his passion for the sport was evident from a young age.
His mother, Shawn Pitts, noted that even as a child, his love for football was evident, despite the likelihood that his disability might have stopped him from playing.
However, his strong will, along with the encouragement from his coaches and teammates, helped him push through and succeed.
She said:
When he was little, watching this sport, knowing that there’s a good chance he’d never be able to play, (it) maybe just gave him that much more love and appreciation for the sport.
Shawn Pitts
As a sophomore, Pitts earned a roster spot on the Junior Varsity football team.
He typically played as a wide receiver or defensive back; however, in a memorable game against Jonesville, Pitts was given the opportunity to play running back near the end of the contest.
He seized the moment, scoring an 82-yard touchdown run that made him the team’s leading rusher for that game.
This play, captured in a YouTube video titled “Michigan JV football player with Cerebral Palsy scores a touchdown,” showcased his determination, as he recalled thinking, “Don’t trip, don’t trip,” while sprinting to the end zone.
Pitts’ head coach, Cyrus Raymond, praised him for his dedication, saying he never skipped weight room training or 7-on-7 practices. Even when he was sick, he showed up to watch.
Besides his skills on the field, Pitts was known as a leader. He also inspired others facing similar struggles to take chances without fear, stating,
If you ever get the opportunity, just do it, Don’t think about it. Just do it.
Austin Pitts
Just because society gives you a stigmatism or it says that you can’t do something, it doesn’t mean that door is shut.
Austin Pitts even planned to join the varsity team in his junior or senior year, aiming to continue his football career.
However, his life was cut short in a car accident. During this difficult time, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Pitts’s parents, friends, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Austin Pitts!
