Deng Mayar, a basketball player for Nebraska-Omaha, drowned in a Utah reservoir on Saturday, according to reliable sources from the Herriman police department.
Reports from the scene indicate Mayar was approximately 35 yards from the shore of the Blackridge Reservoir when he submerged. Efforts to rescue him were unfortunately unsuccessful.
Mayar, a 22-year-old graduate student hailing from Salt Lake City, had recently joined the Mavericks after two seasons with North Dakota, a Summit League rival. Throughout his collegiate career, Mayar averaged 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, making a significant impact on his team.
According to Nebraska-Omaha coach Chris Crutchfield, Mayar had been making ‘tremendous progress’ over the summer. ‘Deng was a joy to be around and made our culture better,’ Crutchfield shared in a statement, expressing the profound loss the team is now grappling with.
This tragic event unfolded when the Herriman police responded to an emergency call reporting two individuals in distress at the reservoir. The second individual, 21-year-old Sa Mafutaga, managed to reach the shore before re-entering the water in a valiant attempt to rescue Mayar. Bystanders assisted Mafutaga, who was subsequently treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital. Reports indicate Mafutaga is expected to recover.
Mayar’s body was recovered from the reservoir by authorities following several hours of searching. This raises important questions about water safety precautions and the potential risks even strong swimmers face.
As we mourn the loss of a promising young athlete, we are reminded of the unpredictability of life and the importance of prioritizing safety in all activities. Our thoughts are with Mayar’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. We will continue to follow this story as further details emerge.
