Former Shock player Geathers dies in Las Vegas accident

Jeremy Geathers, a fan favorite and key member of the Spokane Shock’s Arena Football League championship team in 2010, died Saturday morning in Las Vegas when he was struck by a limousine.

Geathers, 30, wasn’t at an intersection or marked crosswalk when he stepped onto Las Vegas Boulevard, police told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He died at the scene.

“Jeremy was just a happy guy, always flashing his big smile, laughing. He got along with everybody,” said former Shock defensive back Terrance Sanders, teammates with Geathers in 2012-14. “Great player, too, that’s definitely at the forefront of his legacy, but that’s not all he did.

“Good friend and good person. It’s definitely affected a lot of people to hear that he passed so early.”

Former Shock players and coaches posted Facebook tributes to Geathers, a UNLV product and son of former NFL defensive lineman James “Jumpy” Geathers.

“Jeremy Geathers was one of the best players I had the privilege of coaching,” former Shock defensive coordinator Travis Crusenberry wrote. “He always had a smile on his face and his positive attitude was something everyone could learn from. We lost a great brother with his passing but we will always remember what a great person he was. Rest easy JG. Prayers going out to his family.”

“RIP to a great AFL player, teammate and most of all brother in uniform with me on the 2010 Spokane Shock ArenaBowl Champs,” ex-Shock receiver Emery Sammons wrote.

Geathers, a defensive lineman, had three stints with the Shock. He had two sacks and was named the defensive MVP of the 2010 ArenaBowl when the Shock defeated Tampa Bay 69-57 at the Spokane Arena.

Geathers rejoined the Shock in 2012 and again late in the 2013 season for a playoff push. He also played in the CFL for British Columbia and Toronto.