Oregon mourns the loss of 22-year-old tight end Spencer Webb
The Oregon Ducks community is reeling from the loss of 22-year-old tight end Spencer Webb, whose death was confirmed on Thursday.
“There’s nothing I can write that will bring Spencer Webb back and unbreak so many hearts.”
Ducks columnist John Canzano opened a powerful column not by focusing on Spencer Webb the football player, but on “Spencer Webb — the person.”
On Thursday, Oregon Football confirmed the news that 22-year-old Ducks tight end Spencer Webb died, saying that they would “miss him greatly.”
According to a report by the Lane County Sheriff’s office, Webb died in a tragic diving accident when he fell and injured his head 100 yards down a steep trail at Triangle Lake, which is about 35 miles west from Oregon University. Webb was reportedly cliff-diving at the lake when the accident occurred.
In wake of the news, many in the Oregon community are devastated by the loss of a “great young man with a promising future gone too soon,” as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead put it.
Oregon Ducks community mourns the loss of tight end Spencer Webb
Armstead isn’t the only person deeply affected by the sudden, tragic loss. Oregon running backs coach Carlos Locklyn lamented that “a parent should never have to bury a child.”
“There is no place for me to put this unspeakable grief,” Locklyn continued.
The Pac-12, PFF College, and others mourned the news of Webb’s death.
Those who knew Webb personally described him as being beloved by the Oregon community, making an impression on teammates, fans and journalists alike.
In a popular video clip, Webb detailed his interest in Oregon back in high school.
“I grew up an Oregon fan,” Webb said excitedly.
Webb was entering his fifth year as a student athlete at Oregon.
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