A 22-year-old University of Oregon student-athlete has died in a cliff-diving accident, the Lane County Sheriff’s office confirmed Thursday.
Spencer Webb, a tight end for the Oregon Ducks football team, was found west of Triangle Lake, Oregon, on Wednesday afternoon, when police responded to “rock slides” and a report of an injured person.
“Upon arrival, deputies learned that a 22 year old male recreating in the area fell and struck his head,” the Sheriff’s office said in a press release. “Bystanders and responding paramedics were unable to revive him. Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue personnel responded to assist with bringing him back to the roadway as he was approximately 100 yards down a steep trail.”
“There is no evidence of foul play and his death appears to be accidental,” the press release added.
The office confirmed on Thursday that the 22-year-old who died was Webb.
Webb red-shirted his freshman year and was heading into his fifth year on the Ducks’ roster.
According to Yahoo Sports, Webb played nine games in 2019, with 18 receptions and three touchdowns. After a COVID-shortened 2020 season, the tight end garnered 13 receptions and one TD in 2021.
Webb opened up about his upbringing in 2016, telling The Sacramento Bee that his parents did not raise him.
“I never really had a mom or dad in my life. They chose to do other things, so it’s been me and my brother [Cody],” Webb said, according to Yahoo Sports. “I had a dream, he had a dream, and we’re making that dream happen.”
“It doesn’t really bother me now not knowing my mom. She missed out,” he continued. “I’ll see my dad every once in a while. I tell him I love him, but he understands the role my brother has in my life, that my brother is my everything.”