See how the sports world is reacting to death of Oregon tight end Spencer Webb
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Death of Spencer Webb
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When you’re as talented as Spencer Webb, as charismatic and fun as he was known to be, you build a following.
The Oregon Ducks tight end has been remembered by those who knew him or just watched him compete, from his Christian Brothers High School days in Sacramento to his four seasons in Eugene, where he became a fan favorite for his big-play touchdowns, his celebrations and for how he connected with Ducks fans. Some held signs at home games that read, “Spencer Webb for President!”
Weeks shy of reporting to training camp for his junior season with Oregon, Webb died Wednesday afternoon, hitting his head after a cliff-diving accident near Triangle Lake in Lane County, not far from Eugene. He was 22. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office said it was an accident.
Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers was a fan, beyond their shared Sacramento and Oregon Ducks roots. Armstead got to know Webb a bit when the defensive lineman would stop by Ducks games. Webb made sure to introduce himself. to the NFL player. Armstead on Wednesday night tweeted, “Rest easy lil bro. Great young man with a promising future gone too soon.”
Webb’s 7-on-7 passing league coach, Terrance Leonard, recalled to The Bee on Wednesday how awed he was by the young man’s talents — and his ability to talk up a storm. Webb dazzled with one-handed catches and teased Leonard about how he burned his Inderkum High junior varsity team once with such a play.
“He’d ask me, ‘Coach, remember me with the one-handed grab?’” Leonard told The Bee. On Wednesday night, Leonard tweeted a photo of Webb making a one-handed grab for his TMP Elite 7 on 7 league, writing, “Rest in Peace @spencer_webb-18” with a sad emoji and one of a broken heart.
Leonard later tweeted, “I can’t sleep. @spencer_webb_18.”
Former Ducks star Kenjon Barner, and a three-time Super Bowl champion, tweeted in part, “Life is so fragile and so short...Tell your loved ones you love them...”
Jamarri Jackson, a Christian Brothers football star with Webb and now at Cal Poly, tweeted, “I love you. I just wish I got to tell you one more freaking time...you deserved so much more, brother. Forever cherishing our moments. Words will never be adequate.”
Another one of Webb’s prep teammates, Tyler Vander Waal, also went to social media with thoughts of reflection and hurt. The Idaho State quarterback star tweeted, “Man, we were supposed to meet each other on that yacht. We talked about being at each other’s weddings and playing against each other in the NFL. We shared so many great memories in high school. I love you, Spence. Rest easy baby boy.”
Oregon rival programs also went to social media to express sympathy. Washington State football coach Jake Dickert tweeted, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to @CoachDanLanning and the whole @oregonfootball family. @WSUCougarsFB sends our deepest condolences to all of Spencer Webb’s family and friends for a life gone too soon.”
This story was originally published July 14, 2022 at 8:45 AM.
