Tennis Player Drowns: Alex Rovello, Of Oregon University, Dies After Cliff Diving Accident
![Alex Rovello](https://d.medicaldaily.com/en/full/227665/alex-rovello.jpg?w=640&f=1d583f32f26aa71332b7a9a66c8fbcae)
A University of Oregon standout tennis player has died after a diving accident caused the college junior to drown last Saturday, according to a friend of the victim.
Twenty-one-year-old Alex Rovello was reportedly on a hiking trip when a group of his friends decided to stop at the Tamolitch Falls located in the Willamette National Forest. After Rovello dove from the 60 foot-drop off, eyewitness accounts said his body didn't surface from the 37 degree water known as the Blue Pool.
Bystander's attempts to rescue him were unsuccessful and his body was later found between 30 and 40 feet below the water's surface. A memorial service for Alex has been scheduled for May 18.
"Alex was so much more than a dedicated and exemplary student-athlete at the University of Oregon," Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens said in a statement.
"He was a son, a friend, a teammate, a leader, whose warm personality brought everyone together and whose contributions to the extended Oregon community will resonate long after today."
According to The Oregonian, Alex Rovello was officially pronounced dead on Sunday by the Linn County Sheriff's Office. He had just posted an impressive 21-8 season for the Ducks.
"The Oregon tennis family is devastated by the loss of Alex. He was an amazing person and teammate and his spirit will live on forever with all of us who were fortunate enough to have known him," said Oregon's tennis coach Nils Schyllander.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Geri and Jim Rovello, and to the entire family."