Former Jacksonville State student Leah Tarvin to be honored during race at Talladega

Leah Tarvin was a student at Jacksonville State University when she died after being struck by a car near the college’s campus in 2022.

However, before she passed, Tarvin was an organ donor and the hospital was able to harvest her organs for donation. Now, her legacy lives on through her family and others who spread awareness of the need for more organ donation.

This weekend, Tarvin’s face and name will be featured on a race car at the United Rentals 250 race at the Talladega Superspeedway. Keep reading to find out how you can see the car on the big stage + learn more about Tarvin’s legacy.

Handprints for Hope

Driver Joey Gase, an organ donation advocate himself, will be driving a car that features Leah Tarvin along with several handprints on the hood of the car. Gase and his team held an event at UAB, allowing people to write a message of hope on a handprint that would be added to the car.

Gase will drive that car in one of the races during a big weekend in Talladega. If you want to watch the car, here’s what you need to know:

• What: United Rentals 250
• When: 3PM, Saturday, Oct. 5
• Watch: CW
• Tickets

In the race, Gase will be driving the #35 car.

Remembering Leah Tarvin

According to a post from Tarvin’s family, her organ donations helped save the lives of five different people.

In September, people gathered for a service to remember Tarvin and celebrate what would have been her 24th birthday.

That event came on the heels of a dedication as Jacksonville State honored Tarvin, a graduate of Holly Pond High School, with a plaque in front of a bench and tree on campus.

“Leah’s memory continues to inspire us all to be better and to do better. As we dedicate this bench and tree in her memory, it is my hope that every student, faculty member, and visitor who passes by will take a moment to reflect on her life and her example.”

~ Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., JSU President

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