Charlie Kirk’s influential mentor, Jeff Webb, has passed away following an accident while playing pickleball. Webb, 76, was renowned as the pioneer of modern competitive cheerleading and the founder of Varsity Spirit, the largest cheer organization in the United States.
Varsity Spirit paid tribute to Webb in an Instagram post, acknowledging his significant contributions to the cheerleading community and his enduring legacy. Webb suffered a severe head injury from the fall, as confirmed by Varsity Spirit’s president, Bill Seely.
Webb, a vocal supporter of Charlie Kirk, expressed his admiration for Kirk’s potential before his untimely demise. He was present at the White House when Kirk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
After the accident, Webb was hospitalized with critical head trauma, leading his family to make the heartbreaking decision to disconnect life support, as reported by Cheer Daily.
In addition to his cheerleading endeavors, Webb established Varsity Brands and played a key role in shaping the sport globally. His involvement with the International Cheer Union led to its recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2021.
Webb’s influence extended beyond cheerleading, including bringing cheer competitions to TV screens nationwide. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle, owning a yacht, a private jet dubbed “Cheer Force One,” and a duck-hunting estate. Some critics likened him to “John D. Rockefeller with glitter” and the “Dark Sith Lord.”
Aside from his cheerleading ventures, Webb was involved in right-wing media, co-publishing Human Events and acquiring The Post Millennial. In 2025, he sold both publications to John Solomon’s Just the News.
John Solomon praised Webb as a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to preserving America’s values and mentoring young leaders. Turning Point USA, the organization co-founded by Charlie Kirk, also expressed deep sadness over Webb’s passing, highlighting his impact on shaping future generations.
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