Tom GantertDenton, TX – The University of Utah’s star running back Ty Jordan died from an accidental shooting on Christmas night.
Police officers responded to a report of a shooting at 10:38 p.m. Friday, according to ESPN. The police officers found a gunshot victim who had been shot one time.
The Deseret News reported that police believe the gun was accidentally discharged by the victim.
Life-saving measures were applied and the victim was taken to the hospital where he died, according to ESPN.
Jordan was from Mesquite, Texas.
“Following a preliminary investigation, we do believe that this was an accidental shooting, where the victim accidentally shot himself,” said Denton Police Department public information officer Allison Beckwith, according to ESPN.
Police didn’t identify the victim.
The university announced his death.
“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 post on Twitter on Saturday, according to ESPN.
Utes coach Kyle Whittingham said the team is devastated, according to ESPN.
“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, according to ESPN. “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.”
In 2020, Jordan ran for 597 yards and averaged 7.2 yards per carry as a freshman for Utah. He was the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, according to ESPN.
Holly Matkin
