Jeff Webb, the man widely credited with transforming modern cheerleading into a global powerhouse, has died at 76 following a tragic accident.

Webb passed away on Thursday, March 19, after suffering a traumatic head injury in a fall while playing pickleball just two weeks earlier.

According to Cheer Daily, he was hospitalized after the incident before his family made the difficult decision to take him off life support.

Back in 1974, Webb founded Varsity Spirit, a company that would go on to redefine the sport and become the largest organization in cheerleading. Through competitions, training camps, apparel, and media ventures, Varsity Spirit became one of the most influential forces in cheerleading history — a multibillion-dollar juggernaut

In a statement confirming his passing, the company honored his impact:

”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.”

The statement also highlighted his global influence:

”In recent years, his contributions helped grow the sport both in the United States and globally, including his work with the International Cheer Union, which achieved full recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2021.”

“We extend our condolences to Jeff’s family and loved ones, and to the many across the spirit community who were influenced by his work.”

A presence in conservative politics

In addition to his impact on cheerleading, Webb became increasingly active in conservative political circles.

Turning Point USA paid tribute following his death, calling him:

”A visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders and believed deeply in the power of community and country.”

The organization added:

”A dear friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie. He will be greatly missed.”

Webb had a close relationship with conservative figure Charlie Kirk, and even stood with his family at the White House in October 2025 when Kirk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Following Kirk’s death in 2025, Webb spoke emotionally about his friend, saying:

”We probably lost a future president.”

He also recalled their first meeting:

”When I first met Charlie he was 24, before he was the Charlie Kirk. He was already out there, he had Turning Point going. He was starting conferences. He was really still developing the strategy. I met him through a friend at dinner in Atlanta, and like so many people will say about him, we just hit it off.”

”He had everything. He had an incredible amount of charisma. He had a great sense of humor. He was fun to be around.”

In recent years, Webb expanded into media, taking on a role in 2021 as co-publisher and senior news editor at Human Events, a conservative news outlet.