The volleyball world is in shock on Thursday after it was learned that a beloved professional player leaped to his death from an Atlantic City casino.
Eric Zaun, 25, was found dead in the parking lot of the Borgata Hotel, Casino, and Spa just after 5:30pm local time on Tuesday.
Authorities say he jumped from the hotel’s 29th floor.
Zaun, a native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, moved to California to play professional beach volleyball in 2017.
Eric Zaun, 25, a professional beach volleyball player from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has been identified as the man who leaped to his death from an Atlantic City casino on Tuesday
The volleyball world was in mourning on Thursday after Zaun was identified as the fatality. He is seen left alongside Ed Ratledge during a tournament in San Francisco in 2017
Zaun, a star volleyball player in high school, moved out West to pursue a career in professional beach volleyball
Authorities say he leaped from the 29th floor of the Borgata Hotel, Casino, and Spa in Atlantic City
Initially, police declined to identify the victim, but numerous volleyball organizations released statements expressing sadness over Zaun’s death.
The AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, where Zaun began his professional career two years ago, released a statement on Instagram saying: ‘The AVP is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Eric Zaun.
‘Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
‘He will be deeply missed.’
Zaun was a popular player on the AVP Tour, according to Volleyball Magazine.
An all-state selection in New Jersey after a stellar career at Cherry Hill East High School, Zaun was known as a passionate volleyball player.
The AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, where Zaun began his professional career two years ago, released a statement on Instagram saying: ‘The AVP is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Eric Zaun'
Ryan Doherty, a fellow AVP beach volleyball player, tweeted: ‘RIP Eric Zaun. ‘If you are going through something dark or just having a hard time, think about reaching out to someone. A good friend, a complete stranger, a professional; whatever makes sense to you.’
Sophia Rose tweeted: ‘So sad to hear about Eric Zaun, he was always such a nice guy in my encounters with him. ‘He was so willing to teach and help out. ‘Prayers go out to his family.’
Ali Berens tweeted: ‘I can’t believe you’re just gone now but I’ll remember you always.’
Molly Turner tweeted: ‘People struggle in their own ways, quietly. Check up on your loved ones, friends, co-workers, whomever. Rest in peace, Eric Zaun. You were one of a kind.’
Zach Haube tweeted: ‘Depression is so real. Always here for everyone. RIP #Eric Zaun.’
