Walt Shinault, a former Ole Miss Rebel cheerleader and a passionate advocate for the disabled, died on Friday, March 14, 2025.

He was 65 years old.

Originally from Tunica, Shinault was attending Ole Miss in 1980 when he suffered a spinal cord injury while practicing on a mini-trampoline. His injury left him a quadriplegic; however, friends and family say that he didn’t let his injury define him,

He went back to Ole Miss just months after his accident and graduated with a Business Administration degree. He worked as a finanical planner for more than 30 years.

Friends took to social media to post about Shinault and the inspiration he had on their lives.

“Although you suffered a cheerleading accident so many years ago, you never stopped cheering. For me and so many others. Every win I’ve ever experienced, you’ve been one of the first to congratulate me and to encourage me to keep soaring. I will never forget the moments we shared,” wrote Dr. Tywanna Smith.

“Thankful that I knew this man. He is a testament to persistence and resilience. I loved him and was proud to call him my friend,” wrote Cheryl Conlee

“A friend of over 45 years has passed away. Walt, you will be deeply missed. I am at a loss for words,” wrote Richard Sinervo.

John Cofield on Facebook said, “I am so sorry to post that Walt Shinault died this afternoon. Many remember his accident while practicing as an Ole Miss cheerleader that left him paralyzed for life. He fought the good fight and just made it to his 65th birthday, defying all the medical odds. Rest in Peace, Walt.”