Gavin Escobar, former Dallas Cowboys player, killed in Riverside rock climbing accident
A former tight end with the Dallas Cowboys was one of two hikers killed while rock climbing in Riverside County, authorities said Thursday.
Gavin Escobar, 31, and Chelsea Walsh, 33, both of Huntington Beach, died Wednesday afternoon in Tahquitz Rock near Idyllwild, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said.
Escobar was a Long Beach firefighter who previously played with the Cowboys, the department said.
A man and a woman were found dead near Tahquitz Rock, a popular destination for rock climbers across California, authorities said.
Escobar played four seasons with the Cowboys as well as the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins. He played college football at San Diego State University.
Escobar is survived by his wife and two young children, fire officials said.
Officials indicated that the victims died while climbing a “rockface,” but no other details were available.
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