Former Auburn Hoops Star Korvotney Barber Dies In Florida
Korvotney Barber, a former Auburn University basketball forward, apparently drowned in Panama City, Florida.
His body was found on the beach this afternoon. Barber went missing last night while swimming in the area. Reportedly swimming was prohibited there “and two red flags were posted along the shore warning beachgoers of hazardous conditions,” the New York Daily News reports.
The search for Barber had been temporarily called off today because of bad weather in the area.
An autopsy by the medical examiner will determine the official cause of death.
ESPN reports that “A passerby found the 26-year-old’s body at 3:49 p.m. on Sunday between Boardwalk Beach Resort Condominiums and Top of the Gulf condos, said Panama City Beach Cpl. Jason Gleason.”
In his four-year career for the Auburn Tigers, Barber — a former McDonald’s All American from Manchester, Ga. — average almost 11 points per game along with seven rebounds. Since leaving Auburn, he played pro ball in France, Turkey, and Switzerland. He was the only SEC player to average a double-double as a senior in SEC games.
In a statement, head coach Tony Barbee said that “The Auburn basketball program is deeply saddened to lose one its great players in Korvotney ‘Vot’ Barber. I was fortunate enough to meet Vot just last week when he stopped by my office to introduce himself to me. What an impressive guy. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.” Barber played for former Tigers coach Jeff Lebo.
Jay Jacobs, the school’s athletic director, added that “We are deeply saddened to learn of the devastatingly tragic and untimely death of Korvotney Barber. The Auburn Family remembers Vot as a relentless competitor with the heart of a champion. More importantly, those who knew him best remember him as a caring father who deeply loved his children and his family. Korvotney’s family and friends will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this profoundly sad time.”
