Grand Canyon University senior forward Oscar Frayer, his older sister and a friend died early on Tuesday in a car accident near Lodi, Calif., the school announced Thursday.
Just three days before his death, Frayer played 25 minutes and scored eight points while dishing out five assists and blocking three shots in the Antelopes’ first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Iowa, 86-74.
“We love O,” Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew said in a statement released by the university. “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.”
Frayer, a senior, played all four of his collegiate seasons with Grand Canyon. He made 107 starts, which was third most for the Antelopes in their Division I era, which began in 2017.
He is the school’s all-time leading shot-blocker with 93, and Frayer ranks first all-time in blocked shots (93), second in steals (118) and fourth in both points (970) and 3-pointers (144).
Read More: RECAP: Luka Garza, Iowa too much for 15th-seeded Grand Canyon
“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 university statement 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.”
An Oakland native, Frayer earned a communications degree from Grand Canyon and was due to walk in this spring’s commencement ceremony.
–Field Level Media