Tyler Strawn

Tyler Strawn
One of billiards greatest young talents, Tyler Strawn, passed away in an unfortunate highway accident October 7. Also a victim in the accident was his girlfriend, Elyse Cannon, also of Broken Arrow. According to Jason Willingham of the Tulsa Police Department, the couple’s car broke down against the center barrier, and they tried to cross four lanes of the eight-lane Broken Arrow Expressway to get help. They were hit by two separate vehicles.
Cannon, 18, was a cosmetology student, and Strawn, 20, was to report to his first day of work October 8 at a national retail chain store, according to a Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel representative.
Strawn was a junior national 9-ball and artistic pool champion. His list of credits include:

Tournament
Place

2000 BCA Junior National 9-Ball Championships
14 Under Boys National Champion

2000 BCA Junior National Artistic Pool Championships
14 Under Boys National Champion

2001 BCA Junior National 9-Ball Championships
14 Under National Champion

2002 BCA Junior National Artistic Pool Championships
18 Under Boys National Champion

2003 BCA Junior National 9-Ball Championships
18 Under National Runner-up

2003 BCA Junior National Artistic Pool Championships
18 Under Boys National Champion

2004 BCA Junior National 9-Ball Championships
18 Under National Runner-up

In 2002 Strawn represented the USA for the second time at the WPA Junior World 9-Ball Championships in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, and won a bronze medal against the world’s elite players. He also represented the USA in the Junior World Championships on three other occasions.

BEF President and former USA junior team leader Tom Riccobene knew Strawn well and observed, “I am sure most people Tyler came in contact with will immediately remember his energy, unending competitive spirit, and, most of all, his playful antics. He was a natural pool player and never afraid to play. He made a difference and will always be in our hearts.”

Tyler is survived by his mother Elane, father David, brother David II, and sister Megan. The funerals for both Tyler and Elyse will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 12, at Fitzgerald’s Southwood Colonial Chapel at 91st Harvard in Tulsa, OK. Messages of sympathy may be sent to the same chapel at 3612 E. 91st St. S., Tulsa, OK 74137.