Key Takeaways
- Some reports state that the Ohio native Derek Besgrove passed away in a tragic accident.
- He is survived by his longtime wife Erin and three kids, Aubree, Bryce, and Maya Grace.
Derek Besgrove, a former NAIA career rushing yards leader, coach, and Ohio native, recently passed away, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.
While some reports state Derek Besgrove lost his life in a car accident, others state that he passed away suddenly in his sleep on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
However, despite the reports, Besgrove’s family has not shared any details about his untimely passing, and it remains unclear whether Derek Besgrove d*ed in an accident or from other sudden causes.
Moreover, Derek Besgrove, an Oregon, Ohio native, was known for his exceptional athletic skills and for his kind and cheerful nature.
Many of his loved ones are sending their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult phase and paying tribute to the late Derek.
One of his friends, Amber Poling Echelberry, took his social media to recall Derek Besgrove’s memories.
Amber wrote:
“We are heartbroken to mourn the loss of a dear friend — an incredible son, husband, father, coach, and friend. His passion for life and unwavering dedication to his players were truly unmatched. He poured his heart into everything he did, especially into the lives he shaped both on and off the field.He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and impact that will live on through all those he touched. His absence will be deeply felt, but his spirit will forever remain in our hearts.Derek Besgrove was truly one of a kind, and will be missed more than words can express.”
Amber Poling Echelberry
Another added:
“I will miss talking to Derek Besgrove during the Browns Steelers games and whenever I’d see him around the school. A tremendous loss for so many people. It was a pleasure to know him as long as I did.”
Andy Ramsey
Left to cherish the life of the late Derek Besgrove are his longtime wife Erin Besgrove, daughters Maya Grace and Aubree, son Bryce Besgrove, and the entire family.
Moreover, his only son, Bryce Besgrove—who followed in his father’s footsteps in sports—took to social media to express his sorrow over losing both a father and a mentor.
Bryce Besgrove, a fantastic baseball player currently playing for the Clay High School boys’ baseball team, shared a beautiful picture of him with his late father, Derek, and mother, Erin, and wrote:
“RIP, dad. I love you, big man. You’ll be missed❤️ #LLD44.“
The Late Derek Besgrove Was a Star Athlete At Walsh University
Derek Besgrove, an alum of Walsh University, showcased his amazing athletic skills playing multiple sports.
While pursuing his bachelor’s in sociology and criminal justice at Walsh University, Derek excelled in football and track and field from 2000 to 03.
Moreover, he rushed for 5,738 yards over his career at Walsh University, playing as a running back, an NAIA record for most yards gained until 2021.
The late Derek Besgrove also won several honorable titles and became player of the year.
He also played football while attending Clay High School from 1996 to 2000.
Although he didn’t continue playing after graduating from Walsh University, Derek continued his sports journey by serving as a baseball and football coach for several years.
Derek Besgrove continued to focus on his other career and began working as a refinery operator for BP, an oil and gas company, in April 2006.
He served in his position for over nine years as a refinery operator from 2006 to 2015.
During his 17 years at BP, he also worked as a USW Process Safety Management Representative and firefighter/EMT.
Similarly, he worked as a firefightr/EMT, USW Process Safety Management Representative, and Senior Process Safety Advisor at Cenovus Energy from 2023 to his passing.
The whole Oregon, Ohio, community mourns the tragic and untimely demise of their beloved Derek Besgrove.
His contribution to the community will always remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and loved ones.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The late Derek Besgrove’s wife, Erin Besgrove, studied as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Owens Community College and Criminal Justice at the University of Toledo.
- Like his son Bryce, his daughter Aubree is an athlete. She currently plays volleyball for the Fassett Middle School girls’ volleyball team.
