Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar and another woman died Wednesday in a rock climbing accident near Southern California, officials said.
The California Fire Department/Riverside County Fire Department said a distress call was received around 12:30 pm local time and a rescue team was called to Tarkits Rock near Idyllwild. Officials said rescuers found the climber dead after climbing the steep backwaters.
The climbers were identified as Escobar, 31, and Chelsea Walsh, 33.
Escobar played in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens from 2013-2017. He had 30 catches for 333 yards and eight touchdowns during his career. He ended his football career with the Alliance of Americans of Football.
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A small amount of rain fell in the area on Wednesday, but it was not clear if it contributed to climber deaths. Tarkits Rock is known for its steep granite cliffs.
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Escobar started working at the Long Beach Fire Department in February. He is survived by his wife and his two children.
The Fire Department, the Cowboys, and his alma mater, San Diego State University, shared their condolences on Twitter.
“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Gavin Escobar. Gavin was the epitome of student-athlete and a leader on and off the field. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gavin during this incredibly difficult time. I am with my family,” San Diego AD John David Wicker said in a statement.
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According to the Los Angeles Times, in 2000 two climbers from Los Angeles died on the rock from a height of 200 feet.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.