Huntington Beach, California - The football world was left reeling by the tragic news that former Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar died in a rock climbing accident in California.

According to authorities, the pro football player-turned firefighter was one of two climbers found by first responders at Tahquitz Rock near Idyllwild in the San Bernardino National Forest on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the coroner identified 31-year-old Escobar as one of the climbers perished at the scene and his death was confirmed via Facebook by the Long Beach Fire Department, the agency he worked for.

A product of San Diego State football, Escobar was the 47th pick in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft to the Dallas Cowboys where he spent four years before traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2017.

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Thursday night, the Cowboys posted a tribute to their former star, tweeting "Forever in our hearts" alongside a photo of the former player wearing his No. 89 jersey.

Two-time Super Bowl champion and former Cowboy defensive Tackle, Tony Casillas, also shared special words in honor of Escobar.

"Just heard the news about Gavin Escobar, I’ll never forget announcing his name in the 2014 NFL draft by the Cowboys," Casillas tweeted. "Too Soon RIP."

Escobar leaves behind his wife, Sarah, and two young children, Josey and Charlotte.