The Grand Canyon basketball family has suffered a tragic loss.
According to Grand Canyon University, the team’s guard/forward Oscar Frayer died on Tuesday at the age of 23 due to injuries sustained in a car accident. The deadly collision took place in Lodi, California. Oscar’s older sister Andrea Moore and a friend were also killed in the accident.
The 6-foot-6 senior was born in Oakland, California, and graduated from Moreau Catholic High School in the East Bay. Frayer graduated with a Communications degree from GCU and was getting ready to attend commencement.
“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,” a statement from GCU read. “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.”
News of Frayer’s death cast a dark shadow over GCU’s standout season. The men’s hoops team secured its first WAC championship title earlier this month and made its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance with the No. 15 seed. The Lopes ultimately fell in the tournament’s first round, losing to No. 2 seed Iowa, 86 -74, on Saturday.
“He was the heartbeat of our team with his vibrant, energetic personality, Grand Canyon’s head coach Bryce Drew said. 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 be together again.”
Tributes for Frayer began pouring in after news of his shocking death surfaced:
RIP.
