Who was Oscar Frayer? Grand Canyon basketball star dies at 23 in tragic California crash with sister and pal
Grand Canyon standout Oscar Frayer died in a car accident in northern California early Tuesday morning, just three days after appearing in his first career NCAA Tournament with the Antelopes, according to a release from the university. He was 23 years old.
Frayer’s older sister, Andrea Moore, and a third person in their vehicle were also killed in the crash, that occurred near Lodi, California, the GCU confirmed. Frayer, a 6-foot-7 guard/forward, averaged 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24 games (all starts) for the Antelopes this past season, reported Arizona Sports. He started in Grand Canyon's 86-74 loss to Iowa in the first round of the NCAA tournament last week, and finished the game with eight points, five assists, three blocks and a steal. It was Frayer's 107th start for the Antelopes.
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Local authorities said a California Highway Patrol vehicle was struck from behind by the car Frayer was in as two officers were assisting a stranded vehicle on a highway near Lodi at around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Frayer, along with two other passengers, were traveling on I-5 SB south of Walnut Grove Rd. when it collided with the patrol car that was on the side of the road assisting a disabled tractor-trailer.
Frayer's vehicle hit a tree and burst into flames. All three passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The third person who died in the crash has not been identified yet by the San Joaquin County Coroner's Office. The officers were transported to a local hospital with "major injuries," after their vehicle was sent into a dirt embankment in the accident, according to the California Highway Patrol. Both are expected to survive.
"We love O," Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew said in a press release reported by CBS Sports. "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."
"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, according to the official GCU website. "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."