Crime & Safety

South Gwinnett Football Family In Need

The home of Mason Hart, star South Gwinnett High quarterback, was destroyed in a weekend fire. The school community wants to help.

The community is reaching out to help one of their own, following a fire that destroyed a star athlete's home this past Sunday.

Mason Hart, a junior and currently the ' starting varsity quarterback, and his family were not injured in the fire, according to friends of the family. But, fire officials say the home, located in the 3200 block of Rosedale Creek, was a complete loss.

Friends say they were devastated to hear the news, regarding a family so dedicated to the community.

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"His family is very involved in the community and gives of their time and resources to help in any way they can," said head football coach John Small. "They are a great example of what a community member really is in terms of helping out the community and being a positive force in it."

Coaches now have set up an account at Wells Fargo, where donations can be made to the family. Donations can be made payable to the South Gwinnett TD Club Hart Family Assistance Fund. In addition, some students are selling T-shirts at the school to also raise money for the family.

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According to information from Capt. Tommy Rutledge, a caller reported that lightning hit the Hart home during a thunderstorm about 8:44 p.m. on August 21. Crews found heavy flames and smoke showing from a one-story wood frame house on arrival. 

The blaze caused heavy damage to the structure. A tractor was called to the scene to separate debris and assist fire crews with completing extinguishing hidden hot spots. The fire was controlled by 9:21 p.m.

Small, saddened by the events, said Hart is an example of the total athlete, and that everyone is dedicated to helping him and his family out during this difficult time. In addition to football, Hart also plays baseball at South Gwinnett.

"He is a leader in the school, in the community, and on the team," Small said. "He is a dedicated young man that always put those around him first."

Donations can be made to Wells Fargo, under the South Gwinnett TD Club Hart Family Assistance Fund. For more information on the team, click here.


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