A mentor of Charlie Kirk has died in a bizarre pickleball accident.
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Jeff Webb died on Friday, March 20, at the age of 76. His death was confirmed by the New York Post.
Turning Point USA, the nonprofit conservative advocacy organization that Kirk founded, described the author as a "visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders." It posted a 10-minute tribute to Webb on Friday, saying he was "a dear friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie."
Two weeks before his death, Webb suffered a severe head injury after a fall during a round of pickleball. He spent two weeks on life support before he died.
Jeff Webb Met Charlie Kirk When He Was Just 24
Webb met Kirk when the latter was 24. Webb also attended the ceremony where the activist was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Before Kirk's assassination last year, he considered him a possible presidential candidate.
"He had amazing drive. I was overwhelmed with his maturity, his intelligence. He just had so many incredible leadership qualities," he said, adding that he was impressed with his "charisma, faith, respect for everyone."
Webb went on to call Kirk a "giant of the MAGA movement," admiring how his message helped young conservatives feel less alone in their beliefs.
"They were isolated, and Charlie's message and his just charisma gave them definition," he said. "It gave them hope. It made them feel that they were okay and what they stood for were good things."
He added, "And then eventually, as he created Turning Point and the conferences, he was able to bring those young people from around the country together, and they discovered other people felt like they did, and they had friends all over the country who shared this belief."
Pickleball and Politics Weren't Webb's Only Passions
In addition to his love of politics and pickleball, Webb is known as the "father of modern cheerleading." He founded Varsity Spirit in 1974. He was 24 at the time.
Webb wanted cheerleading routines to be more acrobatic and athletic. He played a role in having competitions broadcast on television. The private jet he traveled on was even called "Cheer Force One."
