India, March 22 -- Jeff Webb, the founder of Varsity Spirit and a key figure credited with transforming modern cheerleading, has died following a reported accident while playing pickleball, according to multiple reports.

Webb was hospitalized following the incident, but did not recover from his injuries. Official confirmation of the exact cause has been limited; however, multiple outlets have reported the accident as the likely cause of death.

The development has sparked widespread tributes across the sports and cheerleading communities, while also drawing attention to Webb's lesser-known role as a mentor to conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Webb was also known in political circles as a mentor to Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Tur...