Grand Canyon basketball’s Oscar Frayer dies in car accident
Mar 25, 2021, 6:47 PM | Updated: 8:21 pm
Iowa's Joe Wieskamp (10) drives to the basket between Grand Canyon's Jovan Blacksher Jr. (10) and Oscar Frayer during the first half of a first round NCAA college basketball tournament game Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Grand Canyon Antelopes senior and men’s basketball standout Oscar Frayer died Tuesday in a car accident, the university confirmed Thursday. He was 23 years old.
Frayer’s older sister, Andrea Moore, and a friend also died in the crash that occurred near Lodi, Calif., GCU said.
Frayer, a 6-foot-7 wing, averaged 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24 games (all starts) for the Antelopes this past season.
Our Lopes family is devastated and heartbroken by the passing of @GCU_MBB student-athlete Oscar Frayer. pic.twitter.com/FEJtNdYrt1
— GCU Lopes (@GCU_Lopes) March 26, 2021
A product of Moreau Catholic High School and from Oakland, Calif., Frayer was a three-star recruit GCU landed in the 2016 class.
Frayer started 83 of the 97 games he played from his freshman to junior seasons at Grand Canyon. He did not play in 2019-20 due to academic ineligibility but got back in good standing with the school and first-year head coach Bryce Drew heading into this past season.
He scored eight points to go with five assists, three blocks and a steal in his final game with the Antelopes, a 86-74 loss to Iowa.
It was the school’s first NCAA Tournament game in program history.
Connor McCaffery thought he had a fast break bucket.
Oscar Frayer had other ideas. pic.twitter.com/47iOCbnozj
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2021
Several coaches and former GCU players grieved over social media when the news of Frayer’s death spread.
Man, I’m at a loss for words and just in shock. Just watched you play a couple days ago and now you’re gone. You were one-of-a-kind and one of the most upbeat and energetic people I’ve ever been around. Could put a smile on anyone’s face. Love you, O. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SkghZ0Xyyd
— Casey Benson (@CaseyBenson15) March 24, 2021
4!! Love you brotha. This one killin me. pic.twitter.com/3IfglcuabI
— DeWayne Russell (@weezyRussell00) March 24, 2021
I love you O, you was my role model man. You believed in me from the jump, ain’t many people really truly care abut me but you did. Will always be my big bro! @Oscar_Frayer RIP BROTHER! THIS FOR YOU!
— Kyree Walker (@kyreewalker1) March 24, 2021
I am still in complete shock and disbelief this morning. This is going to hurt for a while, especially after just speaking with @Oscar_Frayer about graduating, making the @marchmadness his senior year, and his perseverance in this life. Way too soon nephew! 🙏🏽 🏀🎓 #BayAreaBorn pic.twitter.com/DMBIQX29yT
— Jason Linders (@linders_jason) March 24, 2021
Took a liking to Oscar Frayer when I met the young man back in 2015. Had an energetic spirit to his character and instantly I became a FAN. 😔😔💔💔 RIP young fella. Praying for his family.
— chuck hayes (@c_hayes44) March 24, 2021
Tragic and heartbreaking news about Oscar Frayer. First time I saw him play was at Tice Valley & he was in the 6th grade.He was amazing & obviously an elite talent. My prayers go out to his family, GCUMBB , Moreau Catholic HS basketball program & my friend @fknightsays . RIP 🙏🏾. pic.twitter.com/Q6GceFGBU5
— Mark DeLuca (@coachdeluca33) March 24, 2021
Prayers up to everyone affected by Oscar Frayer’s death. An outstanding competitor who had his entire life in front of him. Don’t take life for granted. Rest In Peace!
— Brandon Dunson (@BMDunson) March 24, 2021
A Celebration of Life service will be held at GCU Arena on Tuesday at 7 p.m. to honor those at GCU who have lost their lives during the academic year. The event is private to allow for students, friends and families to grieve, but it will be livestreamed on YouTube for those who cannot attend.
