Gerry Bertier (born 20 August 1953 in Alexanria, Virginia) was a prominent Virginia high school football player. He is best known for his participation on the 1971 Virginia State Champion T.C. Williams High School team and their portrayal in the Disney film Remember the Titans. After the conclusion of the 1971 season, Bertier was involved in a automobile accident which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite this injury, Bertier remained an active athlete, participating in the Wheelchair Olympics and winning multiple medals. Bertier was killed on March 20, 1981 at the age of 27, after being struck by a drunk driver Today, the Gerry Bertier #42 Foundation is dedicated to raising money for research on spinal cord injuries.