Former San Diego State football player Gavin Escobar, who joined the Long Beach Fire Department after five years in the NFL, was killed Wednesday in a rock climbing accident in Riverside County, LBFD reported.
Escobar was one of two climbers killed in the Tahquitz Rock accident in Idyllwild, According to the Riverside County Fire DepartmentThe second victim was identified as Chelsea Walsh, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
The LBFD said in a Facebook post that Escobar started working at the LBFD in February of this year and was assigned to Fire Department 3.
In three seasons with the Aztecs, Escobar completed 122 passes for 1,646 yards and found the end zone 17 times.
He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round in 2013 and spent four seasons with the team. He also played two games with the Baltimore Ravens.
SDSU released a statement Thursday night from athletic director JD Wicker and head coach Brady Hoke.
San Diego State University head coach Brady Hawk
“Our prayers are with Gavin’s family. I know his wife Sarah and daughters Josie and Charlotte are everything to him. Gavin was a great man, father, son and teammate, all will be deeply Miss him.” “
Director of Athletics john david wicker
“We were devastated to hear of the passing of Gavin Escobar. Gavin was the epitome of student-athletes and a leader on and off the field. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gavin’s at this extremely difficult time. Family is there.”