India, March 20 -- Jeffrey Gorman Webb, or Jeff Webb, the founder of Memphis-based Varsity Spirit and the originator of modern cheerleading industry died at the age of 76. While an official cause of death was not disclosed, Cheer Daily, a cheerleading news website said that he had died in an accident. Several obituaries also made the same claim.

Meanwhile, Varsity Spirit put out a statement after his demise. "Varsity Brands is saddened by the passing of Jeff Webb, founder of Varsity Spirit and modern cheerleading. Jeff played a pivotal role in shaping cheerleading as it exists today and in building a community that has impacted generations of athletes, coaches, and teams. In recent years, his contributions helped grow the sport both in t...