Eric Zaun, a professional volleyball player, is dead at age 25. The 2017 Association of Volleyball Professionals’ Rookie of the Year in the parking lot of the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa in Atlantic City on Tuesday, June 11. Zaun had jumped to his death from a 29th floor balcony.
News 12 New Jersey reported the news.
“This is a huge loss for the entire volleyball community,” USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis told the website. “Eric was a talented young beach player and stepped up this spring to play snow volleyball for the US. He will be missed.”
Zaun played collegiately at Limestone College in South Carolina before beginning his professional career on the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour in 2017.
“The AVP is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Eric Zaun,” the organization wrote in a post on Instagram. “Our prayer and thought are with his family and friends at this time. He will be deeply missed.”
Zaun had competed just one weekend prior to his death at the AVP New York City Open alongside Avery Drost.
In the past Zaun had expressed his love for volleyball and the lifestyle that came with playing the game.
“I love the culture and the lifestyle associated with beach volleyball,” Zaun told VolleyballMag.com. “It’s great to be able to travel around the country to different beaches and locations doing what you love. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people in the sport and a lot of great fans. All the people involved make it awesome.”
His final Instagram post read: “June is gonna be a good month.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Zaun’s family, friends, and all of those impacted by his passing during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.