Anderson, South Carolina, Ethan Ackerman tragically lost his life on January 25, 2025, while working with two friends cleaning up a large area of debris where several large trees had fallen after being uprooted.
His parents, siblings, grandparents, uncle, and aunt survive him.
Highlights
- Ethan Ackerman’s parents, Rebecca and Stephen Ackerman, raised him alongside his two siblings, Andy Thomas Ackerman and twin sister, Ellen Patricia Ackerman.
- He played offensive lineman on back-to-back state championship football teams and graduated from Daniel High School in 2022.
- His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 29, at Keowee Baptist Church.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 report of a man trapped under a tree.
They said Ethan was stuck beneath the root of one of the trees on the ground when it abruptly returned to its upright posture.
He passed away on the scene, and his death was deemed accidental due to blunt force chest damage that resulted in traumatic asphyxiation.
He was a junior at Clemson University pursuing a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology with a minor in Forestry. The saddening incident happened about 8 a.m. Saturday on McGee Road off Highway 81 North.
The Clemson Forest staff mourns the loss of one of their most valued student interns and shared a few words about Ethan.
Ethan was always eager to help with whatever task anyone asked him to do. He had a contagious enthusiasm about working at the CEF. He was very outgoing and an instant friend to everyone he met. Ethan was a very fun and joyful person to be around and will be missed by everyone here at the CEF.
Clemson Experimental Forest
Ethan Ackerman’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Ethan Ackerman, the son of Rebecca and Stephen Ackerman, was born on July 24, 2004, in Anderson, South Carolina. His parents named him Ethan Alexander Ackerman.
He was the rock of Ackerman’s family and gave them the greatest gift.
Ethan grew up with his two siblings, Andy Thomas Ackerman, and twin sister, Ellen Patricia Ackerman.
He attended Daniel High School and became an offensive lineman on back-to-back state championship football teams.
Later, he graduated in 2022 and joined Clemson University, excited about a future in land management.
His unexpected passing has deeply saddened his family. His broad shoulders and massive strength allowed him to support and embrace others.
Ethan is undoubtedly missed by all his family members, especially his grandfather, who had the best buddy bonding.
He called his grandfather, Granddad Ackerman, and they greeted each other, saying, “You are a Fine Fella” each time they met.
Similarly, he leaves numerous family members to treasure his memory. His grandparents, Mac and Patricia Ackerman, loved him very much.
Also, Ethan’s aunts, Shannan Huggins, Beth Hinson, Terry Lee, Margaret Ackerman, his uncle John Rickenbacker, and 15 first cousins survive him.
His grandparents, Dr. John H. and Sue Ellen Rickenbacker, and his cousin, Phillip James Lee Jr., passed away before him.
Ethan Ackerman’s Service Will Be Held On Wednesday
Ethan loved Wildlife, and his calling was outdoor, everything associated with it, from hunting, fishing, and working on land.
Unfortunately, he lost his life while cleaning up a large area of debris where several large trees had fallen after being uprooted.
His service will be held on January 29 at 11 a.m. at Keowee Baptist Church, 544 Keowee Baptist Church Rd, Six Mile, South Carolina.
Pastors Phillip, Jeff Stewart, and Rick Lee will officiate the service, and Duckett Robinson Funeral Home is Duckett Robinson Funeral Home.
Ethan’s favorite outfits were blue denim, cowboy hats, boots, camo, and Carhartt. Thus, visitors can wear some items of his favorite clothing to honor him at the service.
Moreover, the size of the church is small, and some people will be asked to take part in the service via an alternative option.
We were heartbroken to learn the news of Ethan’s passing. Ethan has been a valuable member of our University community, and we send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones as they make sense of his untimely passing. We hope for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Hallenbeck
Nonetheless, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers counseling to students, and they can contact CAPS at 864-656-2451 and after-hours at 864-656-2451.
Additional Information
- Ethan Ackerman kept his Bible with a big Owl Feather as a bookmark on the dash of his truck.
- His beloved dog, Wesson, is left in the caring hands of Ellen Ackerman.
