Alex Rovello: University Of Oregon Tennis Player Drowns After Fatal Diving Accident

Alex Rovello, a University of Oregon tennis player drowns and died after a diving accident Saturday in Tamolitch Falls in the Willamette National Forest, reports the Associated Press.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Department says that friends and bystanders attempted to rescue the tennis player who drowned after he failed to surface in the Blue Pool at the base of the falls. They were, however, hampered by the depth of the pool and 37-degree water from saving Rovello.

According to official accounts, Rovello jumped from a 60-foot cliff at Tamolitch Falls into Blue Pool, which is about two miles north of Trail Bridge Campground on Oregon 126.

The tennis player’s body was too deep in the waters to be rescued by friends and bystanders. The rescue teams who recovered Rovello’s body reported that it was 30 to 40 feet below the surface.

University of Oregon tennis coach Nils Schyllander said in a statement, "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. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Geri and Jim Rovello, and to the entire family."

Following his death Saturday due to drowning, many of the tennis player’s Facebook friends changed their profile photos to either photo of Rovello or to one of them with their friend, who was 21.

Rovello had a 21-8 match record this past season as No. 3 and No. 4 singles player in the sport. He and partner, Daan Maasland, also won 16 double matches.

A native of Portland, Oregon, the tennis player is a standout at Cleveland High School.

The family of the tennis player is planning a memorial service this Saturday, May 18th.