Oregon Ducks tight end Spencer Webb died after a diving accident at Triangle Lake, about 35 minutes from campus in Eugene, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. He was 22 years old.
According to authorities, they responded to an emergency at the rock slides Wednesday afternoon after receiving an injured person report.
After arriving at the scene, they learned a 22-year-old male had fallen and struck his head.
“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,” the report said.
Authorities said there was no evidence of foul play and his death appears to be accidental.
Triangle Lake and the nearby Lake Creek Falls are a popular destination for swimmers who navigate naturally formed rock slides by inner tube and swim in several swimming holes.
Webb was set to enter his fifth season with the Ducks this fall. He was a consensus four-star out of Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento; a top 10 tight end and top 300 prospects by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports; and the No. 1 tight end in California by ESPN and 247Sports in 2018.
During his four seasons at Oregon, Webb recorded 31 receptions, 296 yards, and four touchdowns.
Webb was also a social media star. His TikTok account, where he often posted about his life and athletic achievements, had more than 550,000 followers.
Like his late grandfather, Donald “Spido” Webb, Spencer was a multi-sport athlete. He was invited by Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman as a practice player when the Ducks were depleted by injury during the 2018-19 season, but didn’t end up joining the team, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
Webb is survived by his older brother, Cody, who became Spencer’s legal guardian 10 years ago, sister-in-law, Alicia, aunt and uncle, who all helped raise him.
Contributing: Associated Press, Statesman Journal
