HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — The Marshall University quarterback who was part of the team’s return after the 1970 plane crash that killed 75 players has died. Reggie Oliver was 66.
Marshall President Jerome A. Gilbert said in a release Tuesday that his “heart is broken” at the loss of Oliver. He added that Oliver was “an integral piece of the fabric that makes up Marshall’s story.”
Marshall Athletics released a statement about Oliver’s passing.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Reggie’s friends and family. He was one of Marshall’s true legends and will be sorely missed by the entire Thundering Herd family.”
Reports say Oliver was hospitalized in Huntsville, Alabama, last week after suffering a head injury in a fall.
Oliver grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and became a quarterback for the Young Thundering Herd, as the team was known. In the school’s first home game after the crash, Oliver connected with freshman fullback Terry Gardner for a 13-yard touchdown on the game’s final play to upset Xavier 15-13.