Three days after playing in the NCAA tournament, Oscar Frayer, 23, died in a car accident on Tuesday (March 23) in Lodi, California, the Grand Canyon University athletic department said Thursday (March 25).
Frayer, his older sister Andrea Moore, and an unidentified friend all died in the accident.
Frayer was a forward on the Grand Canyon University basketball team and scored eight points in what was the school’s first men’s NCAA tournament appearance on Saturday (March 20).
Grand Canyon lost the game to Iowa, but Frayer tweeted his support of his school and team following what would be his last game. “It’s been nothing less than amazing,” he wrote in part.
According to CNN, Frayer was the son of Oscar Frayer and Bionca Sparrow. Tragically, Frayer’s father also died in a car accident when the younger Oscar was seven years old.
Oscar was set to walk at a commencement ceremony next month, graduating with a communications degree. He had returned to the team to play a final season after being academically ineligible to play during the 2019-2020 season.
Grand Canyon head coach Bryce Drew described Oscar as “the heartbeat of our team.” “We love O,” he told the outlet. “He was the heartbeat of our team with his vibrant, energetic personality. I cannot put into words the hurt and sadness we all feel, but we know he is in heaven and that gives us great joy to know we will all be together again,” he added.
In a statement, the university said: “On the court, Oscar was known as the ‘High Flyer’ and will be remembered for his soaring dunks, tenacious defense and game-changing blocked shots.”
“Off the court, he will be remembered for his infectious smile, energetic spirit and caring soul that made him one of the most well-liked students on campus.”
The NCAA tweeted a statement in remembrance of the young athlete.
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