In a one-of-a-kind farewell, Alan Gebert, a resident of Millville, Utah, decided to bid goodbye to his 1991 Geo Metro in the most dramatic way possible. After driving it faithfully for 35 years, the car finally stopped running in 2025. Instead of scrapping it, Gebert chose to make its retirement memorable—by dropping a 1,917-pound pumpkin on it from nearly 14 stories high.
The Idea Behind the Destruction
Gebert explained that this unconventional farewell had been a long-time dream shared with his wife. When the old car could no longer run, they saw it as the perfect opportunity to turn that idea into reality. Speaking to KSTU-TV, Gebert said, “It’s something we’ve talked about for years. This felt like the best way for it to go, and it’s been really fun.”
From Festival Champion to Car Crusher
The enormous pumpkin wasn’t just any pumpkin—it was the first-place winner at the Utah Giant Pumpkin Festival weigh-off. Weighing an astonishing 1,917 pounds, it was lifted by a crane at Hee Haw Farms in Pleasant Grove, soaring nearly 14 stories into the air before its dramatic descent.
A Spectacular End for the Geo Metro
As the pumpkin plummeted down, it crushed the roof of the compact car with a thunderous impact. Witnesses described the moment as both spectacular and symbolic, marking the end of an era for a vehicle that had served Gebert for more than three decades. The flattened Geo Metro stood as a quirky monument to dedication, creativity, and a love of unique celebrations.
Why the Geo Metro Held Such Value
The 1991 Geo Metro was known for being a small, fuel-efficient car—a favorite among drivers who valued economy over luxury. For Gebert, it wasn’t just a mode of transport but a trusted companion that had been part of his life for 35 years, carrying memories from countless trips and milestones.
A Viral Farewell That Captured Hearts
Videos of the pumpkin drop quickly gained attention online, with people praising the creative and sentimental goodbye. Many called it the “ultimate farewell” to a car that had clearly earned its place in its owner’s heart. The combination of humor, nostalgia, and spectacle turned this event into one of Utah’s most talked-about moments of the year.
Alan Gebert’s farewell to his Geo Metro wasn’t just about saying goodbye to an old car—it was about celebrating memories, creativity, and community spirit. Turning a simple farewell into a viral spectacle, Gebert showed that even an ending can be joyful when mixed with imagination and heart.
