Late in March 2025, George Glenn Gaertner, 60, and his wife Surja Maya Gaertner were found unresponsive in a gray Chevrolet Malibu at the intersection of KY Highway 92 West and KY Highway 2792 in Whitley County near Williamsburg. The vehicle’s engine was running and a handgun was inside the car. Law enforcement agencies from the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office, Williamsburg Police Department and Kentucky State Police opened a death investigation and referred both cases to the county coroner, with autopsies scheduled to determine cause of death. Officials stated early on that they did not suspect foul play, and no arrests or suspects have been announced.

George Gaertner was a native of Chicago who worked as a drywaller and is described as a devoted father and grandfather who enjoyed music and time on the river. He is survived by children Jennifer Mendoza, George Gaertner Jr. Maya Gaertner and stepdaughter Christine Robertson, plus eight grandchildren. Few public details are available about what led to that March morning; anyone who knew the couple or has information about their last movements is asked to come forward.