Former BYU basketball player Jake Shoff died in an automobile accident on Thursday.

Shoff, who grew up in Alpine, played two seasons for the Cougars from 2002-04 and helped BYU to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.

Shoff started his career at Weber State before coming to Provo. He transferred after serving a two-year Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint mission in Honduras.

Shoff, 46, is survived by his wife, Emily Criddle, and children, Zach, Brady, Grant and Max.

“We share the sad loss of a giant of a man—a giant in every sense of the word,” the family shared on social media. “Our world has been flipped upside down. We are reeling and devastated. No words can describe the void we are all experiencing right now.”

The 6-foot-9 Shoff was known for his efficiency, shooting over 60% from the field. During his years at BYU, Shoff played alongside several future NBA players, including Travis Hansen and Rafael Araujo.

“I can’t express the size of the sadness I received this information,” the Brazilian Araujo wrote on social media. “I’m in shock. A great friend. … Off the courts a fun and excited colleague for all hours.”

Former BYU Cougar Former BYU basketball player Jonathan Tavernari said he saw Shoff last Tuesday when BYU played Arizona, and “as always, Jake stopped and we gave the biggest hug. Two massive dudes, like grizzlies, hugging,” Tavernari wrote on social media.