Ex-Teammate Shocked as Quadruple Amputee Cornhole Pro Faces Murder Charge
Mike Hoffman, the former doubles partner of professional cornhole player Dayton Webber, has expressed profound shock and sadness following Webber's arrest on suspicion of murder in southern Maryland. Webber, a 27-year-old quadruple amputee who gained fame for his athletic achievements, is accused of shooting and killing a passenger during an argument on Sunday night.
A Stunning Allegation
In a telephone interview on Tuesday, Hoffman described his emotional turmoil, stating, "I've been mad, sad – it sucks." He emphasized the devastating impact on both Webber's family and the victim's loved ones, adding, "Dayton has a great family, and I care about that family. Yet obviously, there is somebody [who] died." Hoffman, 51, noted that if the allegations are true, Webber has made terrible decisions.
Webber's Remarkable Background
Dayton Webber became widely known for overcoming significant physical challenges. At just 10 months old, he underwent a quadruple amputation due to a severe bacterial infection, which his parents credited with saving his life. Despite this, he pursued youth wrestling and a professional cornhole career, earning media coverage from outlets like ESPN and the Washington Post.
Hoffman met Webber about a decade ago through the competitive cornhole scene in Maryland. The pair teamed up for doubles play, winning multiple championships across the Mid-Atlantic region and achieving professional status in the American Cornhole League (ACL), which is televised on ESPN.
Self-Sufficiency and Friendship
Hoffman recalled Webber's impressive self-sufficiency, noting how he modified his car pedals to use with his knees or a prosthetic leg and steered with his elbows. "Quickly, you stopped opening doors for him and stuff like that," Hoffman said. "He could do whatever he felt like doing. Nothing could stop the kid." He considered Webber a friend and mentor, though they had not spoken in months before the arrest.
Details of the Incident
According to the Charles County Sheriff's Office in Maryland, Webber was driving with three passengers on Sunday night when he allegedly argued intensely with front-seat passenger Bradrick Wells, 27. Webber is accused of shooting Wells twice in the head, fatally wounding him. The other passengers refused to help remove the body, fled, and reported the incident to police. Wells's body was later found in a local yard, and Webber was tracked down about 150 miles away in Virginia, where he sought hospital treatment for an unspecified medical issue before being arrested.
Webber now faces charges of murder, assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Officials have not disclosed the reason for the argument, but Hoffman acknowledged the public's intense interest due to Webber's unique background.
A Call for Respect
While Hoffman does not believe Webber is inherently a bad person, he stressed the importance of respecting the victim's family. "You need to be respectful of that," he said, reflecting on the broader tragedy of the case. The incident has drawn national media attention, highlighting the complex intersection of disability, sports fame, and criminal allegations.
