Deng Mayar, a graduate student and forward for the University of Nebraska-Omaha men’s basketball team, has died at the age of 22.
Mayar, also known as Deng Ador, drowned Saturday while swimming at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah, according to police. He was with a friend, Sa Mafutaga, when he began struggling about 35 yards from shore.
Mafutaga reached land but re-entered the water to help Mayar before bystanders had to rescue him. He was later treated at the scene and taken to hospital, where he is expected to recover.
Rescue efforts lasted several hours. Police said Mayar’s body was located around 10:40 p.m. by a Utah Highway Patrol submersible robot and recovered by divers shortly after.
His family was present during the search. Authorities have since closed Blackridge Reservoir until further notice.
Mayar, a 6-foot-7 forward from Salt Lake City, transferred to Omaha this offseason after two years at North Dakota, where he averaged 5.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 42 games.
Omaha head coach Chris Crutchfield described him as “a joy to be around” who had quickly embraced the team.
“Our entire program is devastated to learn of Deng’s passing… We will miss him greatly,” he said.
North Dakota head coach Paul Sather also remembered Mayar as a competitor with “a gentle nature and kind soul,” adding: “Deng will be greatly missed by all of those that knew and loved him.”
