Jeff​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Webb, a trailblazer in cheerleading and mentor to Charlie Kirk, has died following a pickleball ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌accident

Jeff Webb, Founder of Varsity Spirit and Mentor to Charlie Kirk, Dies at 76

Charlie Kirk’s guide Jeff Webb was also one of the leaders in the cheerleading field who recently passed away at the age of 76 after a pickleball accident.

Varsity Spirit, the company Webb established in 1974, revealed his passing on March 19 and posted a tribute video that showed how he played the key role in making cheerleading a lively and well-known sport.

“Help us celebrate the life and work of Jeff Webb, founder of Varsity Spirit and modern cheerleading, ” the company said. “His influence has created a community that will continue to motivate generations going forward.”

Jeff Webb’s Death Resulted from Head Injury Sustained in Pickleball Fall

Bill Seely, Varsity Spirit President, via an email to Cheer Daily mentioned that Jeff Webb had a pickleball game accident which led to his fall and two weeks later died. It turned out to be a very severe injury and his family finally had to decide to remove him from life support.

Varsity Spirit spokesperson informed the press that Webb “was a key figure in transforming cheerleading into its present form” and that he made a community that has had a strong influence on athletes, coaches, and teams for generations. Besides that, the representative shared that he spent many hours aiding the growth of the sport in the USA as well as internationally.

In addition to transforming cheerleading into a business worth billions of dollars and occupying the position of the International Cheer Union president, Webb was also the one who introduced right-wing activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk to the world of politics, as a mentor.

Turning Point USA Commemorates Jeff Following His Passing

Turning Point USA, a nonprofit that advocates for conservative politics on college campuses, produced a tribute video honoring Jeff Webb on March 20. They described the businessman as “a visionary who, by his leadership, guided and shaped generations of young leaders and who deeply believed in the power of community and country.”

It was also mentioned that Webb was “a great friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie.” After the violent death of Charlie Kirk in September, Webb recalled the activist, whom he had met through a mutual friend in Atlanta when Kirk was 24 years old, as a person who had “a tremendous amount of charisma and a very good sense of humor.”

“It has been a week of intense emotions, all the emotions you can imagine, anger, sadness, frustration, it’s just been one of those weeks, ” he said to Real America’s Voice back in September. “In my opinion, we lost a future president last week.”

Jeff Webb, Remembered as a Visionary and Family Man

Jeff Webb, who started Varsity Spirit and was among the people guiding Charlie Kirk, is being commemorated for his impact not only on cheerleading but also on conservative activism.

“In the midst of deep sorrow, there is also a lot of inspiration, ” Webb stated during the dedication to Kirk at the Turning Point USA offices. “Charlie Kirk had everything charm, religion, even love for all people… Now, without him, already tens of thousands of chapters are being formed. His influence is just starting.”

In addition to his business accomplishments, Webb leaves behind his wife, Gina; his children, Jeffrey and Caroline; his brother, Greg; his sister, Jenna; and two grandchildren.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Webb’s children revealed that he was more than just an iconic businessman to them. “He was our soccer coach and comedian at any time, our counselor, and dance partner at father-daughter dances, our refuge, and our source of strength, ” they shared.