“He will be greatly missed,” said Turning Point USA in a statement following the death of Jeff Webb, a prominent figure in the world of cheerleading and mentorship.
Webb, who was 76 years old, tragically died after suffering a severe head injury from a fall while playing pickleball. He had been on life support for two weeks before his family made the difficult decision to remove him.
Known as the father of modern cheerleading, Webb founded Varsity Spirit in 1974, a company that played a pivotal role in shaping cheerleading as it exists today. Under his leadership, Varsity Spirit went public in 1992 and was sold to a private equity firm for $1.5 billion in 2014.
Webb was also a mentor to Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, whom he met when Kirk was just 24 years old. In a previous statement, Webb had remarked on Kirk’s potential, stating, “Charlie Kirk had it all—charisma, faith, respect for everyone…Now in his absence, tens of thousands of new chapters are rising.”
Turning Point USA described Webb as a “visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders and believed deeply in the power of community and country.” His contributions extended beyond cheerleading; he advocated for the sport to be recognized as an Olympic event.
Webb attended the ceremony where Kirk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, highlighting the close bond they shared. In reflecting on Kirk’s impact, Webb stated, “His legacy is just beginning.”
As the cheerleading community mourns his loss, many are reminded of Webb’s significant influence and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any memorial services or tributes planned in his honor.
