University Of Nebraska Omaha Basketball Player Dies In Tragic Drowning Incident

Deng Mayar

University Of Nebraska Omaha Basketball Player Dies In Tragic Drowning Incident

Deng Mayar, a 22-year-old University of Nebraska-Omaha basketball player, has died in a drowning incident.

On Saturday (Aug. 16), Mayar was swimming with a friend at Blackridge Reservoir. Just before 6:00 p.m., the Herriman Police Department received a call about the two being in distress. The friend managed to get out of the water, but Mayar was still struggling. Despite attempts from others nearby, he could not be rescued.

After hours of searching, a submersible located Mayar’s body at 10:40 p.m., and divers recovered him at 11:00 p.m.

 

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Chancellor Joanne Li and Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell said, “We are devastated to learn of Deng’s passing. 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.”

UNO men’s basketball head coach Chris Crutchfield added, “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.”

TJB sends our condolences to the family and loved ones of Mayar.