22-Year-Old Student-Athlete Dies in ‘Tragic’ Drowning Incident

22-Year-Old Student-Athlete Dies in Drowning Tragedy

A devastating incident took place at Blackridge Reserve in Utah where a young student-athlete lost his life in a drowning incident. Deng Mayar, a 22-year-old basketball player for the University of Nebraska-Omaha, tragically passed away while swimming. This incident occurred on Saturday, August 16th, and has left the community and sports world in shock.

Mayar was reportedly at the reservoir with Sa Mafutaga, a 21-year-old who was also swimming with him that evening. The Herriman Police Department received a distress call just before 6 p.m. local time, indicating that two individuals were in trouble at the site. While Mafutaga managed to get out of the water safely, Mayar was unfortunately unable to do so. Despite the efforts of Mafutaga and others in the vicinity, they were unable to rescue Mayar from the waters.

Multiple authorities, including the Unified Fire Authority, South Jordan Fire Department Water Rescue Teams, and the Utah Highway Patrol Dive Team, were involved in the search for Mayar. After hours of searching, the Utah Highway Patrol’s submersible robot located Mayar’s body at 10:40 p.m. local time. Divers were then able to recover his body at 11 p.m. as reported by KETV.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and Omaha Athletics shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram the following day, expressing their deep sorrow over Mayar’s passing. The university officials extended their condolences to Mayar’s family, friends, and teammates, acknowledging the profound impact of his loss on the entire community. Chancellor Joanne Li and Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell emphasised their support for those affected by this tragedy and the grief that has befallen them.

Coach Chris Crutchfield reflected on Mayar’s time with the team, highlighting his talents on the basketball court and the positive influence he had on the program. Describing Mayar as a joy to be around, Crutchfield expressed his sadness at the loss of a valuable team member and extended his sympathies to Mayar’s loved ones. Mayar had recently transferred to the University of Nebraska-Omaha from North Dakota, where he had also excelled in his athletic pursuits.

The news of Deng Mayar’s untimely death has deeply impacted not only his university community but also the wider sports community. As friends, family, and teammates mourn his loss, tributes pour in for the promising young athlete whose life was cut short in a tragic accident. May his memory be cherished, and may his loved ones find solace during this difficult time.

In conclusion, the unfortunate drowning incident at Blackridge Reserve serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety measures, particularly around bodies of water. The loss of Deng Mayar has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, highlighting the need for vigilance and caution when engaging in water activities. Mayar’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his passing serves as a poignant reminder to cherish each moment we have with our loved ones.