HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Reggie Oliver, the quarterback of the Young Thundering Herd team of 1971, died Tuesday at the age of 66.
“On behalf of Marshall Athletics, we extend our deepest sympathies to Reggie Oliver’s friends and family upon hearing of his recent passing,” Marshall University Athletic Director Mike Hamrick said. “He was one of Marshall’s true legends and will be sorely missed by the entire Thundering Herd family.”
Oliver was hospitalized last week in Huntsville, Ala., after receiving a serious head injury from a fall.
Oliver is best known for throwing the winning touchdown pass in the Sept. 25, 1971 game against Xavier, the first win for the football team following the 1970 Southern Airways Flight 932 plane crash.
Seventy-five people, including football players and coaching staff, died in the crash.
“We lost a great Son of Marshall today and my heart is broken,” Marshall University President Jerome Gilbert said. “Reggie Oliver was a personal friend, a gentleman and an integral piece of the fabric that makes up Marshall’s story. Our MU family sends condolences to Reggie’s family, especially his mother, and to his many friends.”
Head football coach Doc Holliday said a showing Wednesday of “We Are Marshall,” the film on the return of football following the plane crash, will be more meaningful.
“We owe the man a ton of gratitude. Our @HerdFB family will miss you,” he tweeted.
Oliver also served as assistant coach of the football team and as a teacher at Huntington High School.