Two UA students die early into new year

[Pi Kapp 142]

Two UA students die early into new year
By Megan Nichols
Senior Staff Reporter
January 07, 2004

Black ribbons adorn the Georgian columns of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house, symbolizing the deaths of two of its brothers during the holiday break.

Justin Cole Eaton, 19, and McIntosh Stewart Gates, 20, both of Athens, were killed on New Year's Day when the vehicle Gates was driving crashed into a tree. The accident occurred in rural Limestone County, 10 miles west of Athens, at 4:50 a.m. Thursday, according to a spokesman from the state troopers' post in Decatur.

Neither man wore a seatbelt.

Eaton, nicknamed "Stump," and Gates, known to his friends as "Mac," attended high school together and were close friends. Before attending the University, Eaton played golf at Athens High School, and Gates was a member of the football team.

Eaton was a freshman, and Gates was a junior, according to the Office of the Dean of Students. Both were majoring in pre-business.

Dustin Merritt, a junior majoring in political science and president of Pi Kappa Phi, said the deaths shocked the fraternity.

"Mac lived his life to the fullest every day," Merritt said. "He is the most loyal friend I ever had. I never met anybody who disliked him."

Though he did not know Eaton as well, Merritt said he liked him.

"He was a nice guy, always nice to me and kind of quiet," Merritt said.

Junior business management major and Pi Kappa Phi member Aaron Jones said Eaton was a good friend.

"Stump was one of the most laid-back individuals you will ever meet," Jones said. "He was a great friend of mine and was also one of the greatest football fans you will ever meet. He never missed a game."

Jeff Henthorn, a senior math major and Pi Kappa Phi member, said Gates could be a friend to anyone.

"His personality was such that people were drawn toward him," Henthorn said. "He was liked by everyone, very dependable and a loyal friend. If you were in a bind, you could count on Mac."

Both men's funerals were held Saturday in Athens. A joint visitation was organized for them Friday.

Eaton is survived by his parents, Randy and Traci Eaton, and younger brother, Jess.

Gates is survived by his parents, Doug and Betsy Gates, his older brother, Sam, and younger sister, Caroline. His brother was president of Pi Kappa Phi last year.

Plans for a UA memorial service have yet to be initiated, Dean of Students Tom Strong said.

Student Life Editor Nick Beadle contributed to this report.