Introduction to Kyle Owens

UC Riverside Highlanders forward Kyle Owens (0) boxes out Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners forward Tom Mark (2) during the game between the UC Riverside and the Cal State Bakersfield on January 18, 2024, at Icardo Center in Bakersfield, CA. (Photo by (Getty Images))

Background Information

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – A family and the Southern California basketball community are in mourning following the passing of Kyle Owens. He was 24.
The backstory:
Owens was a Southern California native and attended Encino’s Crespi Carmelite High School. He was part of the 2019 Class. 
He then played three seasons at the University of Montana before he transferred closer to home at the University of California, Riverside in 2022.
Melissa Rohlin with FOX Sports covered his battle last year. Owens went from the thrilling and demanding life of a student-athlete, to fighting for survival at the City of Hope.
In the prime of his athletic career, Owens even made ESPN after making a buzzer beater against Cal State Bakersfield last February. 
In her report, Rohlin detailed how an athletic trainer encouraged him to get checked out as he dealt with fatigue, night sweats, chills and fevers. On Senior Night, an oncologist informed him he had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 
"Just looking for somebody to save my life at this point and help me be able to live a happy, healthy life," he told Rohlin. 
ESPN reported the Southern California basketball community came together in his search to find a match through the National Marrow Donor Program. This included drives at UC Riverside and Cal Lutheran University. 
"No one in my family is a full match, so my doctors are searching the NMDP registry for an unrelated donor. A simple check swab is all it takes to see if you are a match for me, Owens wrote in his final Instagram post last October. 

Tributes Pour In

What they’re saying:
Following the news of his passing, several took to social media to share their condolences. 

UC Riverside

Michelle Almazan, Interim Director of Athletics, released the following statement on the school’s website:
"I have had the privilege of working with many talented young people throughout my career, but Kyle was different. He carried himself with a quiet strength and a genuine heart that touched everyone around him. On the court he was relentless, always pushing himself to be better, and off the court he was the same, a leader, a teammate, and a friend who lifted others up. His work ethic was unmatched. He never backed down from a challenge and he never stopped believing in what was possible.
Kyle showed us all what it means to face adversity with courage and grace. Even in the most difficult times, he reminded us of the power of perseverance and positivity. He will remain an example for all of us, not just as an athlete but as a human being who lived with purpose and heart.
As an athletics family, we will honor him by carrying forward the lessons he taught us, and his legacy will continue to inspire Highlanders for generations to come."
Former UC Riverside men’s basketball coach, Mike Magpayo, said the following: 
"I’ve coached basketball for 25 years, and it’s rare to come across a young man of the Kyle Owens kind. A superhero of sorts. Strong, athletic, tough, a great teammate, and an incredible leader. A young man who lived every day on purpose. Whether it was off the court, where he managed to graduate with two degrees with honors (including an MBA), or it was the work ethic he showed to make himself a great player. None more apparent than how he led UCR in our most successful season ever in 2022-23 or when he hit a buzzer beater to turn around our 2023-24 season in the midst of major adversity. Kyle had it all: a great mom, dad, and brother, a wonderful girlfriend of many years, and many best friends who all looked up to the 6’8 lefty because everyone knew Kyle’s heart was pure and true.
"This is so unfair" are the feelings of his former teammates…and I feel the same. I’m also inspired that, hopefully, God put him in this position to inspire all of us to live as he did. I’ve cried and laughed with many of his former teammates over the last 24 hours; we are reminding each other to carry on his legacy. To live each day on purpose. Rest in Peace KO."              
Click here for more statements at the UC Riverside Highlanders website.                 
"Kyle was not only an integral part of the basketball team’s success, but most importantly, he represented the university with the highest of character as a student, young man and campus leader,"  wrote men’s basketball coach Gus Argenal. 
"Kyle Owens will forever be part of our Highlander family. His work ethic, leadership, and love for his teammates left a mark that will never fade. We mourn his passing and celebrate the man he was on and off the court. "

Big West Sports

"The Big West celebrates the life & legacy Kyle Owens leaves behind.
Owens will always be remembered for the way he cared for those around him. His leadership & impact on and off the court will never fade. The Big West expresses its sincerest condolences to Kyle’s family, friends, fans and celebrates the life & legacy he leaves behind. We will take a pause for the remainder of the day out of remembrance & respect of Owens."

Montana Grizzlies Basketball

The Source: This story was written with information provided by previous reports from FOX Sports and ESPN, as well as statements from official social media accounts. 
NCAA BasketballRiversideInland Empire

Conclusion

Kyle Owens’ passing has left a significant impact on the Southern California basketball community. His courage, perseverance, and positivity in the face of adversity have inspired many, and his legacy will continue to live on through the lessons he taught and the lives he touched.

FAQs

Q: What was Kyle Owens’ age when he passed away?
A: Kyle Owens was 24 years old when he passed away.
Q: What was the cause of Kyle Owens’ death?
A: Kyle Owens passed away after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Q: Where did Kyle Owens play basketball?
A: Kyle Owens played basketball at the University of Montana and the University of California, Riverside.
Q: What was Kyle Owens’ position on the basketball team?
A: Kyle Owens was a forward on the basketball team.
Q: How has the Southern California basketball community reacted to Kyle Owens’ passing?
A: The Southern California basketball community has come together to share their condolences and celebrate Kyle Owens’ life and legacy.