University of Virginia Library

Heblich Killed In Flaming Auto Crash

By Mark Pirrung
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

A fourth-year University student,
Frederick T. Heblich, Jr., was killed late
Tuesday night in a car accident outside of
Macon, Georgia.

Mr. Heblich was a former Managing
Editor of The Cavalier Daily, having
retired from the position last week. He
would have graduated from the
University in June. He was 22.

According to Georgia highway
patrolmen, the accident occurred when
the car Mr. Heblich was driving swerved
to avoid an animal which had wandered onto
the road and then skidded out of control off
the road and crashed into a tree. The gas tank
of the car exploded causing a portion of a small
woods to catch fire.

The local volunteer fire department
extinguished the blaze, but not before Mr.
Heblich was trapped inside the burning vehicle
for nearly a half hour. A rescue team finally
succeeded in extracting Mr. Heblich from the
smoldering vehicle. Emergency medical
treatment was attempted without success. The
county coroner pronounced him dead at the
scene.

Mr. Heblich was passing through Georgia on
his way to Miami, Florida where he planned to
spend spring vacation. There were no other
passengers.

A native of Westville, New Jersey, Mr.
Heblich was very active in University life. He
served on the First-Year Council, and was a
member of the University Guides. In his second
year he came to work on the Cavalier Daily as a
reporter. A year later he became Associate
Features Editor, and at the end of his third year
he was elected Managing Editor.

A prolific writer, Mr. Heblich frequently
contributed editorials to the Cavalier Daily in
addition to columns and news stories. He is
perhaps best known for his scathing attacks on
Vice President for Student Affairs D. Alan
Williams, and Director of Public Relations, Paul
Saunier. His writing earned him the coveted
"Most Improved Writer Award" of 1969-70.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
F.T. Heblich Sr. of Westville, N.J., and two
sisters.

A memorial service will be held tonight at 7
in the University Chapel. Tomorrow night his
body will be transported to New Jersey where
private funeral services will be held. Upon his
death it was revealed that he was a member of
The Seven Society.

Photo By Roy Alson

Fred Heblich Advising Peter Shea On Layout

The Former Managing Editor Was Killed In An Auto Crash Tuesday Night