Ex-Auburn player Barber drowns
Former Auburn University basketball player Korvotney Barber died Saturday night, apparently of an accidental drowning, according to Panama City Beach, Fla., police. He was 26.
Barber reportedly went swimming Saturday evening, and he subsequently was reported missing. His body was found at 3:49 p.m. Sunday, Panama City Beach Cpl. Jason Gleason told multiple media outlets.
According to the Birmingham News, swimming was not allowed Saturday in the area where Barber went missing due to hazardous conditions.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the devastatingly tragic and untimely death of Korvotney Barber," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. "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."
Auburn coach Tony Barbee joined the program after Barber's playing days, but he said in a statement, "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, who was from Manchester, Ga., averaged 10.9 points and 7.2 rebounds for Auburn from 2005-09. As a senior, he made the All-Southeastern Conference second team while averaging 12.8 points and 9.6 rebounds.
The last two years, Barber played pro ball overseas, most recently for a team in Lugano, Switzerland.
"We were like brothers," former Auburn teammate Josh Dollard told the Birmingham News. "We called each together every day. He was a real high-spirited dude. He was the type of dude that, when you're around him, all you're going to get is laughs. He's always cracking jokes, making me people smile."
