Oscar Frayer ( Photo Courtesy: Grand Canyon University)
PHOENIX - Officials with Grand Canyon University confirmed on March 25 that one of their students and a member of the school's basketball team was killed in a crash in California on March 23.
According to a statement, 23-year-old Oscar Frayer was one of three people who died in a car crash in Lodi, a town about 26 miles south of Sacramento. University officials say Frayer's sister, 28-year-old Andrea Moore, was also killed in the crash.
The identity of the third individual was not released by the San Joaquin Medical Examiner's Office, as of March 25.
Officials said the SUV Frayer was in veered off the road, plowed into two California Highway Patrol vehicles, then burst into flames. The officers were seriously injured, but are expected to survive.
The crash happened just three days after the 'Lopes played in their first NCAA Tournament game, losing to Iowa 86-74.
Officials say Frayer, a starter player on the university's men's basketball team for four years, was set to graduate in April.
"He was one of their first big recruits, and he wanted to be the first guy to lead them to an NCAA tournament and go to school and finish his degree. He was able to accomplish both of those things, and that’s what makes this so tragic. He got his degree and he accomplished and to be taken from us right after that," said Moreau Catholic High School basketball coach Frank Knight.
"As the GCU family grieves the loss of one of our students, we ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and know that God is always there for us," read a portion of the statement.
The basketball player will be honored during the university's graduation ceremony, with Frayer's mother attending to accept the college diploma on her son's behalf.
University officials said a celebration of life was held on March 30 to honor Frayer, in addition to all other GCU students, faculty and staff members who died during the school year.
Oscar Frayer Celebration of Life
https://youtu.be/ITdqq2cnfBE
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GoFundMe - Memorial Fund: Oscar Frayer & Andrea Moore-Frayer
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