Jeff Webb, a prominent Texas businessman and early mentor to Charlie Kirk, tragically passed away in a pickleball accident. He was 76 years old. The news, shared by Kirk’s organization Turning Point USA, referred to Webb as a “visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders.” He sustained severe head injuries during the game and was on life support for two weeks before he died.
Often hailed as the father of modern cheerleading, Webb became an influential figure in the conservative movement. Turning Point USA released a nearly 10-minute tribute to him, emphasizing his close friendship with Kirk.
Webb first met Kirk when he was just 24, expressing admiration for his potential as a future leader, even before the assassination last year. He noted Kirk’s intelligence and strong leadership qualities, drawing a connection with the activist who later became an ally of former President Trump.
After Kirk’s passing, Webb commented on how Kirk embodied charisma and respect, suggesting that the loss of such a figure might have affected the nation’s future presidential landscape. He described Kirk as a significant contributor to the MAGA movement, helping students with conservative values feel connected and understood.
Webb mentioned that Kirk’s messages resonated deeply with students who felt isolated from the Republican establishment, offering clarity and hope. Kirk was credited with creating Turning Point and hosting events that united young people across the nation, allowing them to recognize they weren’t alone in their beliefs.
He was present at the tribute ceremony where Kirk was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Webb, who founded Varsity Spirit at just 24 years old, shifted attention to cheerleading — advocating for its evolution into a more athletic and competitive endeavor, ultimately making it a fixture on national television.
University officials even humorously dubbed his private jet “Cheer Force One,” acknowledging his critical role in transforming cheerleading into what it is today.
