Oscar Frayer, a senior forward for the Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team who played in last week’s NCAA Tournament, was killed in a car accident in northern California on Tuesday, authorities said. He was 23.
Frayer’s death was confirmed Thursday by the San Joaquin Medical Examiner’s Office in California, The Arizona Republic reported. Frayer’s sister, Andrea Moore, 28, of Stockton, California, was also killed in the crash in Lodi, the newspaper reported. A third person, who also died, has not been identified.
Frayer’s death happened three days after he scored eight points, blocked three shots and had five assists in Grand Canyon’s 86-74 first-round loss to Iowa in Indianapolis, ESPN reported. It was his 107th start for the Antelopes.
Not even enough characters to explain our relationship. I'm rattled right now. Im so so proud of you! Glad you went back and got that degree, glad you got to the Big Dance, glad I got to help & watch you become a great young man. I know your pops is proud! Love you! #Legacy #BigO pic.twitter.com/SBiw7Kmhj9
— Frank Knight (@fknightsays) March 24, 2021
The crash occurred about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, on Interstate 5 just south of Walnut Grove, according to a statement issued by the California Highway Patrol.
Two highway patrol officers had stopped to assist a disabled tractor-trailer in the southbound lanes when a 2021 Subaru SUV veered from the road and rear-ended the stopped CHP patrol vehicle, the statement said. The car then collided with a tree and became fully engulfed in flames, CHP said.
University officials had heard about the crash but had been unable to confirm it. Several of Frayer’s teammates expressed shock and grief on social media before his death was publicly confirmed.
“It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we share the news that Grand Canyon University student and basketball player Oscar Frayer was one of three individuals who died in an auto accident in Lodi, California, on Tuesday,” GCU officials said in a statement. “As the GCU family grieves the loss of one of our students, we ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and know that God is always there for us. Also please keep the families and friends of Andrea Moore in your hearts and pray for the two California Highway Patrol officers who were injured in the accident.”
Frayer, who is from Oakland, California, graduated from Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, California, the Republic reported.
“We love O,” Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew said in a statement. “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 be together again.”
— CoachBryceDrew (@BryceDrewCoach) March 26, 2021
Frayer was a key factor in helping the Antelopes win their first Western Athletic Conference Tournament championship with his 3-point shooting and defense, the Republic reported.
After Saturday’s loss, Frayer tweeted, “I bleed purple forever!”
“Thank you Lope Nation for the last five years. ... It’s been nothing less than 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. 4 Gone🤘🏿💜
— Oscar Proud #⃣4⃣ (@Oscar_Frayer) March 21, 2021
Frayer was raised by his mother after his father died in a car accident when Frayer was 7 years old, ESPN reported.
The school said it will hold a “celebration of life” service at GCU Arena on Tuesday to honor Frayer and those in the GCU community who have died during the academic year.
Cox Media Group