Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar dies in apparent rock climbing accident

The body of former Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar was discovered by firefighters Wednesday near a popular California rock climbing destination in the San Bernardino Forest, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Escobar, 31, was found by a mountain rescue team responding to reports of two injured climbers in the area of ​​Tahquitz Rock near Idyllwild, California. The Riverside County Fire Department reported an inaccessible rescue attempt in progress Wednesday afternoon on the rocky terrain near the summit. According to the LA Times report, Escobar was attempt to climb a mountain with Chelsea Walsh, 33, and both were fatally injured at approximately 12:20 p.m. PST Wednesday near the Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout.

Officials told the LA Times that Escobar and Walsh died climbing a rock face, and the incident was reported by witnesses who managed to find cell reception in the remote area.

Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Escobar was drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and had eight touchdowns in four seasons with the franchise. He ended his career in 2018 after signing with the Miami Dolphins but never took the field. Prior to his NFL career, Escobar played college football at San Diego State, where he donned his freshman year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. His football career was able to continue after a successful operation to remove the tumor.

Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar died Wednesday in an apparent rock climbing accident in California’s San Bernardino Forest, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.

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At the time of his death, Escobar was working as a firefighter with the Long Beach Fire Department. The department posted a tribute to Escobar on its Instagram page on Thursday confirming his passing.

San Diego State also released a message in memory of Escobar Thursday night, featuring messages from Aztec head coach Brady Hoke and SDSU athletic director John David Wicker.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Gavin’s family,” Hoke said in a statement. “I know his wife, Sarah, and daughters, Josey and Charlotte, meant everything to him. Gavin was a great man, father, son and teammate, and he will be deeply missed by all.”

Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar died Wednesday in an apparent rock climbing accident in California's San Bernardino Forest, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.

Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar died Wednesday in an apparent rock climbing accident in California’s San Bernardino Forest, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.

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“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Gavin Escobar,” Wicker said. “Gavin was the epitome of a student-athlete and a leader on and off the court.”

Escobar is survived by his wife, Sarah, and two daughters, Charlotte and Josey.

Virginia F. Goins