A Grand Canyon University basketball player was killed in a car crash Tuesday, just three days after a season-ending loss to Iowa in the NCAA tournament.
Oscar Frayer, a 23-year-old forward for the Antelopes, died Tuesday near Lodi, California, along with his older sister Andrea Moore and a friend who was not identified, according to the school’s athletics department, which made the devastating announcement Thursday.
“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,” 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 well-liked students on campus.”
Frayer scored eight points in his final game.
It was Grand Canyon’s first NCAA tournament appearance. The team was a No. 15 seed and lost to No. 2 seed Iowa on Saturday in Indianapolis.
After the game, the redshirt senior from Oakland went on Twitter and expressed humility about the loss.
“I bleed purple FOREVER!!!!” Frayer wrote. “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”
Frayer had already completed his degree in communications and was set to march at his graduation commencement ceremony.
Frayer’s father, also named Oscar, died in a car accident when his son was 7 years old, according to the athletics department website.
The younger Frayer attended Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, California. He went on to play basketball at Grand Canyon University, where he started 30 games as a junior but found himself academically ineligible to play during the 2019-2020 season.
A redshirt allowed Frayer to come back for one more season in 2020-2021, when he started 24 games and averaged 6.6 points per game.
His play during his last season helped lift the team to new heights, Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew said.
“We love O. He was the heartbeat of our team with his vibrant, energetic personality,” 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.”
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