Grand Canyon University male basketball player Oscar Frayer was killed in a car accident on Tuesday in California, just days after participating in the men’s basketball tournament, the school said on Thursday.
Frayer was killed along with his sister Andrea Moore and a friend in Lodi, the school said. Frayer was 23 years old. The third person was not identified.
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The California Highway Patrol said a patrol vehicle was stopped to assist a truck driver who broke down on the side of the road on Thursday morning. The Frayer vehicle hit the back of the patrol vehicle, hit a tree and caught fire, according to The Sacramento Bee. The authorities did not disclose any details beyond that. Two patrol officers received “serious” injuries, but were expected to survive.
“We love O,” said Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew in a statement. “He was the heart of our team with his vibrant and energetic personality. I cannot express in words the pain and sadness that we all feel, but we know that he is in heaven and it gives us great joy to know that we will be together again.”
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Joe Wieskamp (10) from Iowa, guarded by Oscar Frayer at his tournament on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. (AP Photo / Charles Rex Arbogast)
Frayer helped the Grand Canyon make its first tournament appearance. The team secured an automatic bid with a victory at the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. Frayer had nine points and two assists in that game.
In the 86-74 loss to Iowa on Saturday, the Antelopes striker scored eight points, five assists and three blocks.
Frayer holds the Grand Canyon Division I era record for career blocks with 93 and is fourth in points with 970.
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“On the court, Oscar was known as the ‘High Flyer’ and will be remembered for his high dunks, tenacious defense and blocked shots to change the game,” the university said in a statement. “Off the court, he will be remembered for his infectious smile, energetic spirit and caring soul that made him one of the most beloved students on campus.”