Grand Canyon forward Oscar Frayer killed in auto crash
Grand Canyon University forward Oscar Frayer was killed in an automobile accident along with two others, including his older sister Andrea Moore, 28, on Tuesday, near Lodi, California.
Frayer was 23.
“We love O,” Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew said in a news release. “He was the heartbeat of our team with his vibrant, energetic personality. I cannot put into words the hurt and sadness we all feel, but we know he is in heaven and that gives us great joy to know we will be together again.”
A native of Oakland, California, Frayer was a redshirt senior. He appeared in 24 games (all starts) in the 2020-21 season and averaged 6.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
Frayer made his final appearance in a GCU uniform last Saturday in the program’s first NCAA Tournament game. The second-seeded University of Iowa Hawkeyes beat the 15th-seeded Antelopes 86-74 in Indianapolis.
The 6-foot-6 Frayer had eight points, three assists and three blocks in the second half at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. He finished with eight points, three rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal in 28 minutes.
Frayer was one of four Grand Canyon seniors who were subbed out with 22.2 seconds remaining.
For Frayer, the March Madness loss was an emotional end to his college career.
As a result, he poured his heart out via social media after the loss.
“I bleed purple FOREVER!!!! THANK YOU LOPE NATION for the last 5 years .. it’s been nothing less than amazing … from President Mueller, to our coaching staff, to my brothers who I compete with everyday … it’s love FOREVER. 4 Gone,” Frayer tweeted after the game.
Frayer made solid impact for Antelopes
Since arriving on the Phoenix, Arizona, campus in 2016, the communications graduate left an indelible imprint on the program. He was a 2017-18 All-Western Athletic Conference Defensive Team honoree. He is No. 1 in Antelopes history in career blocked shots (93) during their time in Division I (since 2013). Frayer is No. 4 on Grand Canyon’s all-time points list (970 and third in 3-pointers made (144).
Grand Canyon reacts to the tragic news
The Grand Canyon athletics department issued a statement on Oscar Frayer’s passing:
It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we share the news that Grand Canyon University student and basketball player Oscar Frayer was one of three individuals who died in an auto accident in Lodi, California, on Tuesday. Also in the vehicle was Oscar’s sister, Andrea Moore, 28, from Stockton, California. The identity of the third individual has not yet been released by the San Joaquin Medical Examiner’s office.
Oscar had completed his academic requirements to graduate in April and was a starter on the men’s basketball team for four years. On the court, Oscar was known as the “High Flyer” and will be remembered for his soaring dunks, tenacious defense and game-changing blocked shots. Off the court, he will be remembered for his infectious smile, energetic spirit and caring soul that made him one of the most well-liked students on campus.