former Cowboys in Dallas Gavin Escobar and another woman were killed in a rock climbing accident near Southern California on Wednesday, officials said.
The Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said rescuers were called around 12:30 p.m. local time to Tahquitz rock near Idyllwild After a distress call. Officials said rescuers scaled a remote, steep area and found the climbers dead.
The climbers were identified as 31-year-old Escobar and 33-year-old Chelsea Walsh.
Escobar played in the NFL from 2013 to 2017 for the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. He had 30 passes for 333 yards and eight touchdowns during his career. He finished his football career, Alliance of American of Football.
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Gavin Escobar #89 of the Dallas Cowboys during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 13, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
A small amount of rain fell in the area on Wednesday, but it was not clear if it played a factor in the climbers’ deaths. Tahquitz Rock is famous for its steep granite cliffs.
17 February 2019; San Diego, California, USA; Tight end San Diego Fleet Gavin Escobar (89) runs the ball after a pickup during the first inning against Atlanta Legends at SDCCU Stadium.
(Orlando Ramirez-USA Today Sports)
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Escobar began working for the Long Beach Fire Department in February. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Fire Department, Cowboys and University San Diego State They sent their condolences on Twitter.
“We are devastated to hear of Gavin Escobar’s passing. Gavin has been an example of a student-athlete and leader on and off the field. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gavin’s family at this very difficult time,” San Diego State Prof. John David Wicker in a statement.
November 2, 2014: The Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar (89) before the football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&D; T in Arlington, Texas.
(Zach Bollinger/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Two Los Angeles climbers fell 200 feet to their deaths on the rock in 2000, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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