CLINCH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The Clinch County community is mourning the loss of an 18-year-old high school senior whose death has brought an outpouring of support across South Georgia.

According to family and school officials, Jonah Blake Pittman, a senior at Clinch County High School, died Thursday, March 12, from injuries he suffered in an accident earlier in the week.

His mother previously shared that Pittman suffered serious injuries in the accident, including a collapsed lung and multiple broken ribs, and was placed on a ventilator as doctors worked to help him breathe. Despite those efforts, he later died from those injuries.

Pittman was born in Valdosta and raised in Homerville. Family members say he was known for his love of music, especially country and rock, and enjoyed playing the guitar, spending time with friends, and riding dirt roads.

He previously played football at Clinch County High School and remained a supporter of Panther athletics even after his junior year. Pittman was also a member of New Vision Church of God.

Loved ones say one of his proudest roles was being an uncle to his niece, Rynleigh Blake Pittman.

His mother, Kristen Nicole Pittman, shared an emotional message on social media thanking the community for the support and stories people have shared about her son.

She said hearing how Jonah impacted others has helped during an incredibly difficult time.

Community members have already begun organizing ways to support the family. One fundraiser includes memorial shirts being sold locally, with a portion of the proceeds going to help Pittman’s family.

A candlelight vigil is planned for 7:30 p.m. at the pond in front of Clinch County High School, where friends, classmates, and community members are expected to gather to celebrate his life.

Funeral arrangements have also been announced.

A celebration of life service for Pittman will be held Monday, March 16 at 3 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Homerville. Burial will follow at Pine Forest Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

Family members have asked the Clinch County High School Class of 2026 to serve as honorary pallbearers and requested they meet at the church before the service wearing red and black in honor of Pittman and the Panthers.

School leaders say counselors and pastors will be available for students as they process the loss of a member of their school community.

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