Remembering Andrew Ogburn: Charlottesville Mourns a Beloved Cyclist

The heart of Charlottesville aches as the community grapples with the sudden and tragic loss of Andrew Marshall Ogburn, a vibrant 19-year-old whose life was cut short in a devastating car accident.

Andrew, a beloved son of Charlottesville, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, following a single-vehicle crash on U.S.

29 North in Nelson County. Virginia State Police reported that Ogburn was driving a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta near the intersection with U.S. 250 when the vehicle veered off the right side of the road. In an attempt to correct, the car then crossed the centerline, ultimately overturning. Tragically, Andrew, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle.

A 19-year-old female passenger sustained minor injuries in the crash, thankfully protected by her seatbelt.

The incident remains under investigation by state police, but the immediate impact on those who knew and loved Andrew is immeasurable.

Andrew was more than just a name in a tragic news report; he was a young man bursting with potential and a deep passion for life, especially cycling. A proud graduate of Charlottesville High School’s Class of 2023, Andrew had dedicated himself to his love for two wheels.

He honed his skills and shared his enthusiasm while working at Performance Bicycle and later at Blue Ridge Cyclery, becoming a familiar and cherished face within the local cycling community.

His coaches and mentors remember him fondly. “Andrew was a great kid,” shared Peter Hufnagel, his coach at Charlottesville High School.

“He was very smart, very funny, very kind. He really just cared about his friends, cared about his family and cared about what he was doing.” These sentiments echo across the community, painting a picture of a young man whose kindness and spirit touched many.

The void left by Andrew’s absence is keenly felt, particularly among his fellow cyclists and the numerous friends he made throughout his young life.

His infectious energy and genuine warmth will be profoundly missed, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the deep connections we forge.

As Charlottesville collectively grieves, the memories of Andrew Ogburn’s passion, his laughter, and his compassionate spirit will undoubtedly live on, inspiring all who had the privilege of knowing him.