Audio By Carbonatix
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
-
UCC opens internal probe into death of Level 200 student
3 minutes -
From invisible to influential : Why Africans must take personal branding seriously
39 minutes -
Police rule out visible assault in death of UCC student found on beach as investigations continue
1 hour -
Education Minister mourns UCC student, orders full investigation into death
1 hour -
Loud and Green : Plastic is not waste, it is an opportunity – PlasticPreneur challenges Ghana’s perception of plastic pollution
2 hours -
Loud and Green : Young climate advocate calls for a shift from single-use plastics to tackle flooding
2 hours -
Ocean Harmony Project founder warns plastic pollution is entering the human food chain through fish
2 hours -
Ghana’s floods are behavioural disasters, not natural ones – Environmental advocates
2 hours -
Nigeria clinches $10,000 grand prize as 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026 ends in Accra
4 hours -
Ketu North MP mourns death of UCC student Innocentia Avinu, calls for justice
4 hours -
AGI partners Danish industries to advance value chain sustainabilityÂ
4 hours -
Missing UCC student found dead as police launch investigations
4 hours -
Aflao border plunged into darkness, exposing travellers to attacks – Union Secretary
5 hours -
ECOWAS unites on minerals, industrialisation to power AfCFTA
5 hours -
Oti House of Chiefs to unveil 7-member committee on Nkwanta South conflict
5 hours