Cheerleading pioneer Jeff Webb dies after “severe” pickleball accident at 76

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Jeff Webb, known for his contributions to cheerleading and as a mentor to Charlie Kirk, passed away from injuries suffered while playing pickleball.

In mid-March 2026, Webb suffered a serious head injury while playing sports. Reports indicated the injury was severe.

Following the accident, he was immediately taken to the hospital and put on life support. Sadly, he passed away on Thursday, March 19th, two weeks after the incident. He was 76 years old.

Pickleball is a growing sport, but injuries are also becoming more frequent, especially among older adults. The National Institutes of Health reports that almost 70% of players get hurt each year, and a large majority of those – 86% – are age 50 or older and require hospital care. Recent data shows a dramatic 91% increase in pickleball-related emergency room visits between 2020 and 2022.

Jeff Webb dies due to injury sustained during pickleball

Jeff Webb significantly shaped modern cheerleading by establishing the Universal Cheerleaders Association in 1974, which later became part of Varsity Brands.

He also started and led the International Cheer Union (ICU), which is the main organization that governs cheerleading globally. By 2026, the ICU included 5 million athletes representing 116 different cheerleading federations worldwide.

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Varsity Brands shared with Cheer Daily that Webb was a key figure in the development of modern cheerleading and fostered a community that has influenced countless athletes, coaches, and teams over the years.

He’s been instrumental in the growth of cheerleading, both in the US and around the world. His efforts with the International Cheer Union were particularly important, leading to its official recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2021.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jeff and offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends, and all those in the spiritual community who were touched by his contributions.

Charlie Kirk, a popular podcaster and political commentator, was deeply influenced by Webb, who served as a crucial mentor to him. Kirk tragically died in September 2025 while giving a speech at Utah Valley University.

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2026-03-24 02:18