Legendary Flowing Wells Wrestling Coach Pat Weber Dies at 71

Weber, a 2013 National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, was found dead at a marina in Mexico where he lived in retirement.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:47am

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Pat Weber, the legendary former wrestling coach and athletic director at Flowing Wells High School in Tucson, Arizona, has passed away at the age of 71. Weber was found dead on Thursday at a marina in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, where he lived in retirement. He had been reported missing since Sunday after last being seen on Saturday in the San Carlos area. Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, pending autopsy results.

Why it matters

Weber was a highly respected figure in the Arizona wrestling community, having coached at multiple high schools over a 24-year career and serving as the athletic director at Flowing Wells for 16 years until his retirement in 2019. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013 and was known for his dedication to developing young athletes both on and off the mat.

The details

Weber's body was found in the dock area, beneath a sailboat adjacent to the one he owned. Authorities reported no signs of violence or looting in his apartment, vessel, or vehicle. The Attorney General's Office is working with the U.S. General Consulate in Hermosillo on the investigation into Weber's death.

  • Weber was last seen on Saturday, February 25, 2026 in the San Carlos area.
  • Weber's body was found on Thursday, February 29, 2026.

The players

Pat Weber

A legendary former wrestling coach and athletic director at Flowing Wells High School in Tucson, Arizona, who was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013.

Dustin Peace

A former football coach at Canyon del Oro High School who wrestled for Weber at Flowing Wells and expressed his gratitude for Weber's impact on his life.

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What they’re saying

“I will miss Weber and am 'foreverr grateful for what he did for me and thousands of others as a coach and teacher.”

— Dustin Peace, Former Canyon del Oro football coach

What’s next

Authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the official cause of Weber's death.

The takeaway

The passing of Pat Weber, a beloved figure in the Arizona wrestling community, is a significant loss. His decades-long commitment to developing young athletes and serving as a respected leader and mentor will be deeply missed.