Ty Jordan, a 19-year-old freshman running back for the University of Utah, has died of an accidental gunshot wound received while on winter break in his hometown of Mesquite, Texas, the school announced Saturday, December 26.
He passed away Friday after an “accidental shooting” in Texas, according to ABC 4. The 2020 Offensive Freshman of the Year for the Pac-12 Conference of the Football Bowl Subdivision of NCAA Division I was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. It is unclear where the shooting took place, his home or someplace else.
"Following a preliminary investigation, we do believe that this was an accidental shooting, where the victim accidentally shot himself," Denton Police Department public information officer Allison Beckwith told ESPN.
"On behalf of the entire University of Utah, our love and condolences to Ty Jordan's family, friends, teammates and coaches. We are devastated by this heartbreaking news. To watch Ty on the field was to be thrilled by his athleticism and talent. Rest In Peace, Ty," Utah president Ruth V. Watkins said in a tweeted statement.
POLICE PRESENCE | There is currently a police presence in the 1100 block of Avenue A. Officers responded to a shooting call and located a single gunshot victim, who was transported to a local hospital. pic.twitter.com/oKKyD8mcKz
— Denton Police Dept (@DENTONPD) December 26, 2020
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham also said the team is devastated.
"Ty's personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us," Whittingham said in a statement on Saturday. "He leaves an indelible mark on each of us and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, all of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace."
Rest In Peace, Ty.
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 26, 2020
Statements from Coach Whittingham and Mark Harlan: https://t.co/75RuDPtYrS pic.twitter.com/VzjHkyqHRM
Jordan was named the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year after he rushed for 597 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also earned All-Pac-12 second-team honors and is the first Utah player to earn conference Freshman of the year honors in 20 years. Jordan ranked fourth in the Pac-12 in rushing yards and third in rushing yards per game. Jordan was the first Utah first freshman to have three consecutive 100-yard rushing games in 25 years.
Jordan was slated to be the Utes’ starting running back heading into the 2021 season.
Latest Stories
-
Queenmother calls on President-elect Mahama to appoint more women in his government
59 minutes -
Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona to go top of La Liga
1 hour -
Usyk breaks Fury’s heart with points win in rematch
1 hour -
Ghana-Russia Centre to run Russian language courses in Ghana
7 hours -
The Hidden Costs of Hunger: How food insecurity undermines mental and physical health in the U.S.
7 hours -
18plus4NDC marks 3rd anniversary with victory celebration in Accra
10 hours -
CREMA workshop highlights collaborative efforts to sustain Akata Lagoon
10 hours -
2024/25 Ghana League: Heart of Lions remain top with win over Basake Holy Stars
11 hours -
Black Queens: Nora Hauptle shares cryptic WAFCON preparation message amid future uncertainty
12 hours -
Re-declaration of parliamentary results affront to our democracy – Joyce Bawah
12 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Vision FC score late to deny Young Apostles third home win
12 hours -
Enhancing community initiatives for coastal resilience: Insights from Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site Workshop
12 hours -
Family Health University College earns a Presidential Charter
12 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Bibiani GoldStars beat Nsoatreman to keep title race alive
12 hours -
GPL 2024/25 Bechem United keep title hopes alive with narrow win over FC Samartex
12 hours