The University of Oregon this weekend revealed that Alex James Rovello, a junior who played for the university’s tennis team, died on Saturday.
Rovello died in a drowning accident on the McKenzie River in Willamette National Forest. According to an Associated Press report, Rovello was diving off Tamolitch Falls with friends when he failed to surface in the pool below. Rescue attempts were reportedly hampered by the depth and low temperature of the water in the pool.
“The Oregon tennis family is devastated by the loss of Alex,” said Nils Schyllander, head men’s tennis coach at Oregon. “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.”
Rovello held a 21-8 record during his 2013 season with the Ducks. Before joining the Oregon tennis team, Rovello went 50-0 in singles play for Cleveland High School in Portland. He won four consecutive state singles titles during his time in high school.
“Alex was so much more than a dedicated and exemplary student-athlete at the University of Oregon,” said Rob Mullens, director of athletics at Oregon. “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. On behalf of the UO family, we extend our sympathies to Alex’s family, and we will honor his memory each and every day.”
