Oregon men's tennis player Alex Rovello died Saturday after an accident following his dive at Tamolitch Falls in Willamette National Forest, according to reports.
The Linn County Sherriff's Department said Rovello's friends as well as bystanders attempted to rescue him after diving into the Blue Pool. Rovello, 21, did not resurface following his plunge, but efforts of the rescuers were thwarted by the pool's deep water and freezing temperatures (37 degrees).
Witnesses said Rovello smacked into the water with his face and chest following his leap, which was 60 feet in the air. According to one report, a witness had to run two miles to get cell phone service to alert authorities about Rovello's plight. Authorities familiar with the incident have said alcohol was not involved in Rovello's death.
At the University of Oregon, Rovello was 21-8 last season, as a No. 3 and No. 4 singles player. He also won 16 doubles matches with his partner, Daan Maasland, according to ESPN.com.
Oregon University athletic director Rob Mullens made a statement regarding Rovello's death that can be found at Goducks.com. It reads, "Alex was so much more than a dedicated and exemplary student-athlete at the University of Oregon. He was a son, a friend, a teammate, a leader, whose warm personality brought everyone together and whose contributions to the extended Oregon community will resonate long after today. On behalf of the UO family, we extend our sympathies to Alex's family, and we will honor his memory each and every day."
Rovello's body was eventually found by a team of divers at a depth of 30 feet. Rovello's family has planned a memorial service for Saturday, May 18th.
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