A COLLEGE basketball player has died in a drowning incident and left his school in mourning.
Deng Mayar’s death at age 22 was announced by the University of Omaha Sunday.
Mayar played forward for the Omaha Mavericks.
According to reports, he was swimming with a friend at the Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah.
The pair began to struggle in the water and Mayar went underwater.
His friend made it to the shore, but went back to look for the college basketball player.
Mayar did not reemerge and his body was recovered by rescue crews Saturday night.
His friend was hospitalized, but reports added that he is expected to make a recovery.
And the school was left to mourn the tragic death.
Omaha men’s basketball head coach Chris Crutchfield released a statement Sunday.
“Our entire program is devastated to learn of Deng’s passing,” it read.
“After competing against him for two years, we were elated to add him to our team and he made tremendous progress this summer.
“Deng was a joy to be around and made our culture better. We will miss him greatly.
“Jodi and I, along with our entire program, send our hearts and prayers to Deng’s family, friends and teammates.”
Mayar is originally from Salt Lake City and joined Omaha this offseason after moving from North Dakota.
He played 42 times for his previous team, who were also left “heartbroken.”
North Dakota state men’s basketball posted on X, “We are heartbroken by the loss of former student-athlete Deng Mayar, who passed away on Saturday. He was 22.
“We extend are deepest condolences to Deng’s family, teammates, friends and classmates.
“They are all in our thoughts and prayers.”
Mayar averaged 6.3 points and four rebounds per game for North Dakota last season before transferring to Omaha.
“We are devastated to learn of Deng’s passing,” a statement from the University of Nebraska at Omaha chancellor Joanne Li and director of athletics Adrian Dowell said.
“On behalf of our university community, our love and sincere condolences are with his family during this difficult time.
“We also wish his friends and teammates in Omaha, North Dakota, and Salt Lake City family, peace as they process this tragic loss.”
