2006 file photo / Union-Tribune Hoover's Todd Doxey, spinning away from a tackle as a receiver, won a scholarship to Oregon for his defensive play.

It's a larger-than-life symbol of how much he meant to the Cardinals' program and how high in esteem he is held at the school.

For now, though, there is mostly shock and sadness after Doxey died Sunday in a swimming accident on the McKenzie River, 15 minutes from the University of Oregon campus where he was expected to be a major contributor for the Ducks' football program this year.

Doxey memorial service being planned

Doxey, 19, and several teammates intended to float down the river on inner tubes, but he and a few others opted to jump into the river from the Marcola Road Bridge, according to Lane County Sheriff's reports.

He apparently was one of the last to take the 25-to 30-foot leap and started swimming across the current. Witnesses said he suddenly appeared to be in distress and had trouble staying above the cold water.

Todd Doxey Celebration of life tonight A celebration of life honoring the memory of Todd Doxey is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Hoover High football stadium. Doxey, 19, an outstanding athlete at Hoover, died Sunday in a swimming accident near the University of Oregon, where he earned a football scholarship. Tuesday's celebration is open to the public. The date and time of a memorial service for Doxey is expected to be announced Wednesday, Hoover Athletic Director Ron Lardizabal said. Flowers and notes are being accepted at California Cremation and Burial Chapel, 5880 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, 92115. A Todd Doxey Memorial Fund to help with funeral costs has been established at the Washington Mutual office, 4415 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113. Lardizabal said if contributions exceed costs, a Todd Doxey Perpetual Memorial Fund scholarship will be established to aid future athletes. – STEVE BRAND

Individuals in a fishing boat coming down the river were able to pull Doxey from the water, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died three hours later.

“In 20 years, he's the best I've ever coached; no one else is even close,” Hoover football coach Mike Wright said of the versatile Doxey, who played primarily defensive back and wide receiver.

“They say a player and person comes along like Todd every 10 years, but I don't know if I'll ever coach another kid like him. Not only did he have athletic ability, but he was a leader and was mature beyond his years. Teams would change game plans because of Todd.”

Doxey ranks No. 2 in the San Diego Section for career receiving yards at 2,669, but it was his abilities as a defensive back that attracted offers from numerous Division I programs.

He led Hoover to a 9-3 record in his senior year, picking off six passes to go with close to 100 tackles, according to Wright.

The 6-foot-2 Doxey figured to back up returning Pac-10 first-team player Patrick Chung at free safety as well as participate on special teams for the Ducks after redshirting his freshman season.

“Any time a young man or woman dies, it is a tragedy,” Oregon head football coach Mike Bellotti said in a release. “I understand that people did everything they could – the paramedics, the ambulance, the doctors and the players who were there.

“It's obviously a very helpless feeling for me not to be there.”

The feeling of loss was echoed by former teammate Corey Trisby and Cardinals basketball coach Ollie Goulston.

“He taught me how to have patience,” said Trisby, who like Doxey the year before was named the high school City Athlete of the Year for 2008.

“My first year I wanted to play safety, but Todd was already there. He told me they needed me on defense, so I played cornerback. I'm certain if not for Todd, I would never be going to college (UTEP) because I threw the ball to him 98 percent of the time my junior year.”

The two also combined with guard JayDee Luster to lead the Cardinals to their first section basketball title in 44 years, in 2006.

“Todd was such a high-quality person, the whole community is hurting,” said Goulston. “I knew Todd since he was 4 and he played on my teams since he was 10, so he was like one of my own children. To have a freakish thing like this happen, you question the reason.

“I just spoke to him a couple of days ago and he was so upbeat. He was a positive influence on everyone. Todd, JayDee and Mark Hall (who played on the basketball team when Doxey was a freshman and died in an auto accident 22 months ago) helped rebuild Hoover athletics.

“I'm just not sure I even want to coach anymore – we're all shattered.”

Wright said Doxey will not be forgotten.

“Todd will be remembered here forever,” Wright said. “We'll make sure of that.”

Doxey is survived by his parents, Todd Sr. and Gladys, and three siblings. A fund has been set up by Hoover High to help cover costs of a funeral. Contact Athletic Director Ron Lardizabal at (619) 283-6281, ext. 2162.

Steve Brand: (619) 293-1854; steve.brand@uniontrib.com