On Thursday, Grand Canyon University confirmed the death of men’s basketball player Oscar Frayer who passed away in a car crash Tuesday.
The tragic news comes only days after GCU got knocked out of the NCAA Tournament by Iowa on Saturday. The university announced the 23-year-old’s death saying they are “devastated” and “heartbroken” by Oscar Frayer’s passing.
According to California Highway Patrol officials, Frayer was one of three people riding in an SUV that crashed around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday in Lodi, California. Supposedly, the vehicle swerved off the road and rammed into a CHP patrol car.
Additionally, the SUV kept going until it crashed into a tree and went up in flames. All three of the passengers in the car, including Frayer’s older sister Andrea Moore, died in the horrific accident.
When the trio’s SUV hit the CHP patrol car, two officers at the scene sustained injuries. Medical professionals expect the two officers to recover from their non-life-threatening injuries. However, “both will have a long road to recovery and we will eagerly await their return to full duty,” according to CHP officials.
Oscar Frayer Remembered by His GCU Family
According to GCU officials, Oscar Frayer is considered one of “the most accomplished players” in the basketball program’s history.
Friends of the family established a GoFundMe campaign for Oscar Frayer and Andrea Moore-Frayer following the tragic news. The funds will help with funeral service costs, and have already exceeded its $50,000 goal in half a day.
In addition, the men’s basketball team shared a statement on Thursday night about the star player. Along with the school, countless fans have mourned Frayer’s passing on social media.
“He was the heartbeat of our team with his vibrant, energetic personality,” GCU head coach Bryce Drew explained. “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.”
Coach Drew also shared a statement on GCU basketball’s official Twitter account.
On Saturday, Oscar Frayer played 25 minutes in #15-seeded GCU’s loss to #2 Iowa. He scored 8 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists during the Lopes’ first round exit.
Frayer started his 107th game against Iowa, bringing his five-year collegiate career to an end. Following the tough loss, he thanked the university and called his time at GCU “amazing.”
“I bleed purple FOREVER!!!! THANK YOU LOPE NATION for the last 5 years..it’s been nothing less than amazing..from President Mueller, to our coaching staff, to my brothers who I compete with everyday..it’s love FOREVER,” Oscar Frayer shared on Twitter.
