University of Oregon Tennis Player Alex Rovello Dies in Diving Accident Saturday

The excitement and drama of the first weekend of the NCAA Division I tournament was muted Sunday, when word began circulating via facebook and twitter that University of Oregon tennis player Alex Rovello had died in a diving accident Saturday.

Reports say the 21-year-old Rovello, who had just completed his junior year, was hiking with college friends when he jumped 60 feet into a natural pool and did not resurface.

Official confirmation from the sheriff's department came this afternoon, and the entire tennis community continued to express its shock and sadness at this tragedy. Rovello was widely admired by everyone who knew him, and his loss will be deeply felt.

The University of Oregon has yet to release a statement, but several area publications have been following the story closely, including the Eugene Register-Guard, The Oregonian and the Daily Emerald.