Charlie Kirk’s mentor and cheerleading pioneer Jeff Webb dies in pickleball accident, reports say

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WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

(Gray News) – Jeff Webb, a cheerleading pioneer and mentor to the late Charlie Kirk, died at 76 after a “tragic accident,” according to his family.

Jeff Webb, a cheerleading pioneer and mentor to the late Charlie Kirk, died at 76 after a “tragic accident,” according to his family.(WMC, AP)

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.

“He helped pioneer the use of advanced gymnastics and stunts in cheer routines, launched the first national cheerleading championships, and brought the sport to national audiences through televised broadcasts on ESPN,” the family spokesperson said in a statement. “He also played a central role in developing the first safety guidelines and helped establish key governing bodies, including the U.S. All Star Federation and USA Cheer.”

Turning Point USA said Webb was “a dear friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie.”

“In memory of Jeff Webb. A visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders and believed deeply in the power of community and country. A dear friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie. He will be greatly missed,” Turning Point USA wrote in a social media post.

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