Omaha basketball forward Deng Mayar, who recently transferred from North Dakota, tragically drowned on Saturday. He was just 22 years old.
Mayar was at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah, with a friend when they encountered difficulties in the water. While the friend managed to swim to safety, he bravely went back to help Mayar. Unfortunately, Mayar went underwater and did not resurface. Rescue teams found his body later that night. The friend was hospitalized but is expected to recover.
Omaha’s men’s basketball coach Chris Crutchfield expressed deep sorrow over Mayar’s passing, saying, “Our entire program is devastated. He made significant strides this summer and brought joy to our team culture. We will miss him greatly.”
Mayar, who stood 6-foot-8, had an impressive season with North Dakota last year, averaging 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds. He ended the season strong with 12 points and seven rebounds in a notable win over South Dakota before deciding to join Omaha.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding water safety, especially during summer activities. Statistics reveal that drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among young adults. According to the CDC, from 2000 to 2019, there was a 15% increase in drowning rates for individuals aged 18-24.
Social media has seen an outpouring of grief and tributes to Mayar, with many sharing their favorite memories and expressing support for his family and friends during this difficult time.
Deng Mayar’s story serves as a poignant reminder about the importance of being cautious around water and the impact one life can have on so many.
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