Oregon tight end Spencer Webb (18) celebrates his touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Eugene, Oregon. Webb died July 13, 2022 after after falling and striking his head.
Andy Nelson / AP
EUGENE — Oregon Ducks tight end Spencer Webb suffered a fatal head injury while near Triangle Lake on Wednesday.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at approximately 2:30 p.m. Wednesday to a report of an injured person at the rock slides west of the lake, where a 22-year-old man since identified as Webb hit his head. Bystanders and paramedics were unable to revive him, according to the sheriff’s office, which said search and rescue personnel responded to bring Webb back to the roadway because he was “approximately 100 yards down a steep trail.”
The incident appears to be accidental, according to the sheriff’s office, and under investigation.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Spencer Webb,” Oregon athletics said in a statement from athletic director Rob Mullens, coach Dan Lanning and the football program on Thursday. “Our hearts go out to his family, teammates, and friends at such a difficult time. We will miss Spencer greatly.”
Webb, 22, was entering his fifth-year junior season this fall as a projected starter for UO.
Multiple Oregon coaches and players acknowledged Webb’s death on social media Wednesday night.
“So full of life in every moment of the day,” Lanning tweeted. “Your smile and energy will be missed Spencer. I love you!”
Over 29 career games, Webb had 31 catches for 296 yards and four touchdowns, the majority of which came during the 2019 season, when he had 18 catches for 209 yards and three scores. His first career touchdown was arguably his most famous play, a 20-yard catch over a defender on a ball thrown by Justin Herbert in the 2019 season opener against Auburn.
Webb had 13 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown in 2021. He appeared in the final two games of the shortened 2020 season due to a broken collarbone and redshirted as a true freshman in 2018.
Like his late grandfather, Donald “Spido” Webb, Spencer was a multi-sport athlete. He was invited by Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman to the team at least as a practice player in when the Ducks were depleted by injury during the 2018-19 season, but didn’t end up joining the team.
Webb is survived by his older brother, Cody, who became Spencer’s legal guardian 10 years ago, sister-in-law, Alicia, aunt and uncle, who all helped raise him.
