close
close
hsuses

Former Dallas Cowboys player Gavin Escobar dead after climbing accident in California

Theo

Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar has died in a climbing accident in California.

The former NFL player and former firefighter, 31, was one of two climbers found by first responders on Wednesday at Tahquitz Rock near Idyllwild in the San Bernardino National Forest, authorities said Twitter.

“Rescuers gained access to the victims’ location,” Cal Fire and Riverside County firefighters added in a follow-up tweet that said Escobar and 33-year-old Chelsea Walsh both “died at the scene.”

Gavin Escobar of the NFL football team Kansas City ChiefsGavin Escobar of the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs

Gavin Escobar of the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs

AP/Shutterstock

Escobar played five years in the NFL – four years with the Cowboys after being drafted 47th in the second round – and one year with the Baltimore Ravens, from 2013 to 2018.

RELATED: Oregon football star Spencer Webb, 22, dies in rock-falling accident after hitting his head

He also starred at San Diego State University, where he was a two-time All-Mountain West Conference first-team selection and was honored as an academic athlete according to his high school alma mater.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar #89 after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink. Submitted during an NFL game in Seattle on Cowboys Seahawks FootballDallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar #89 after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink. Submitted during an NFL game in Seattle on Cowboys Seahawks Football

Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar #89 after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink. Submitted during an NFL game in Seattle on Cowboys Seahawks Football

David Seelig/AP/Shutterstock

Escobar’s former teams, the Cowboys and the Aztecs, posted tributes on social media Thursday night.

“Forever in our hearts,” the Cowboys tweeted alongside a picture of Escbobar wearing the No. 89 jersey. San Diego State football added, “We love you, Gavin.”

After retiring from professional football, Escobar joined the Long Beach Fire Department in February of this year, the agency said, confirming his death on Facebook.

RELATED: Former Notre Dame and NFL player Paul Duncan has died at age 35 after suffering cardiac arrest while running

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the off-duty death of Long Beach Firefighter Gavin Escobar,” the post began.

Don’t miss a story – sign up PEOPLEis the free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Firefighter Escobar was hired on February 5, 2022 and assigned to Fire Station 3 on the B shift. Before becoming a firefighter in Long Beach, Gavin Escobar played professional football for the #NFL, where he spent most of his time with the #DallasCowboys. “

According to NBC 7 San Diego, Escobar is survived by his wife Sarah and two young daughters, Josey and Charlotte.

Related Posts