URGENT UPDATE: Tragedy strikes the Omaha men’s basketball community as forward Deng Mayar, just 22 years old, has died in a drowning incident at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah. The school confirmed this heartbreaking news on Sunday, following the incident that occurred on Saturday.
Reports indicate that Mayar was enjoying time at the reservoir with a friend when both began to struggle in the water. While his friend managed to reach the shore, he bravely returned to assist Mayar. Tragically, Mayar went underwater and did not resurface. Rescue crews recovered his body late Saturday night.
Mayar’s friend was hospitalized but is expected to survive, according to local news sources including Fox 13 in Salt Lake City. The loss has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with Omaha men’s basketball coach Chris Crutchfield expressing deep sorrow in a statement:
“Our entire program is devastated to learn of Deng’s passing. After competing against him for two years, we were elated to add him to our team and he made tremendous progress this summer. [Mayar] 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.”
A native of Salt Lake City, Mayar transferred to Omaha after a season at North Dakota, where he averaged 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He notably ended his final game with 12 points and 7 rebounds in a victory over South Dakota.
This tragic event underscores the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have on their community. As the Omaha basketball program processes this devastating loss, fans and fellow athletes are urged to support Mayar’s family and friends during this challenging time.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
