Jeff Webb, a cheerleading pioneer and mentor to the late Charlie Kirk, died at 76 after a “tragic accident,” according to his family.
Webb was the founder of Varsity Spirit and helped turn cheerleading into a sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee, according to The Associated Press.
A family spokesperson said Webb died after a “tragic accident,” and the family declined to share more details.
People reports that Webb suffered a fall while playing pickleball two weeks before his death. He reportedly sustained a severe head injury and the family later decided to remove him from life support.
Webb started the Universal Cheerleaders Association in 1974 and developed camps, new uniforms and the first national competition.