Dayton Webber’s Troubling Turn of Events
Dayton Webber, a professional cornhole player and amputee, had previously led an active and diverse life. However, he was arrested on Sunday for allegedly shooting a man in southern Maryland.
Even with his disabilities, he had a longstanding love for outdoor sports. As a child, he excelled in youth football and wrestling, finishing fourth in his weight class at the Southern Maryland Junior Wrestling League when he was just 12, as noted by ESPN.
Eventually, he discovered cornhole, an American lawn game, and quickly advanced to become the state player of the year.
Dayton Webber’s Loss
The 27-year-old, now facing murder charges, lost both his arms and legs due to a severe bacterial infection as a toddler, which almost claimed his life.
“They actually gave me a 3% chance of survival,” Webber recalled in a 2024 ESPN interview, reflecting on the drastic measures taken to save him.
“They had to amputate my arms and legs to keep me alive,” he said.
Following several months in the hospital, he returned home and was able to walk almost immediately, according to his father, Mike.
Journey to Champion
The life-saving surgery allowed Webber to pursue outdoor sports throughout his youth and into adulthood. His social media showcases a range of activities, from fishing to motocross.
He engaged in soccer, wrestling, and go-kart racing, but his true passion emerged with cornhole. What began as casual backyard games with friends evolved into regular play at the local American Legion.
“I loved it so much that I never missed a Friday,” he stated in an article for Today.
He noted that surprising others has been a theme in his life, from overcoming a serious illness to becoming a professional athlete. In the 2021-2022 season, he became the first amputee to play professionally in the American Cornhole League, as reported by the Baltimore Watchdog.
The league confirmed that he will not actively compete after 2024, but he has already made significant strides in the sports world, with his games featured on NBC’s “SportsCenter” and “Today.”
Adapting to Challenges
Due to the absence of hands, Webber learned to adapt his techniques for various activities, including cornhole. He developed a unique method of tossing the bean bag by using the end of his severed arm.
“I find that when the bag is in a certain place, when I let go of it, it goes where I want it to go,” he explained.
Webber’s innovative approach also extended to his interest in firearms. Online videos show him firing a handgun using his arm’s stump to pull the trigger.
In a separate video, he can be seen firing a rifle mounted on a stand, celebrating the moment with friends. However, these seemingly uplifting clips take on a darker tone following his recent arrest for allegedly shooting a friend in his Tesla.
Arrest Details
Authorities have stated that Dayton shot and killed his friend during an argument while driving about 40 miles south of Washington, D.C., on the night of March 22.
Following the incident, the driver reportedly attempted to get help from the backseat passengers but was met with refusal and left the scene.
Weber fled, leaving the victim in the vehicle. Two hours later, a homeowner found a body in their yard, leading police to connect it back to Weber, resulting in an arrest warrant.
Law enforcement later located Weber’s Tesla in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was found seeking medical treatment. He is now in custody, facing charges of first- and second-degree murder.
