DENTON, Texas — University of Utah star freshman running back Ty Jordan was killed in what police believe was an accidental shooting Christmas night.
Denton police responded to a report of a shooting at 1100 Block of Avenue B in Denton, Texas, about 9:38 p.m. Friday, according to Denton police officer Allison Beckwith.
“Officers responded to a shooting call and located a single gunshot victim, who was transported to a local hospital,” Denton police said in a press release. “Following a preliminary investigation, it is believed the gun was accidentally discharged by the victim.”
About two hours later, the public statement was updated to announce that the victim died from his injuries. Police did not identify the victim.
While social media posts filled Twitter and Facebook almost immediately, Utah Football official Twitter account shared the news at 10:05 a.m.
All my boys need prayer right now. We lost our brother, friend, and teammates. Lord wrap your hands around his family and friends all over the world. We are going to miss that smile Ty. Go lay on Moma’s shoulders for eternity. Forever #buzzgang ❤️ @_ylfotyt pic.twitter.com/RygPnQeNi0
— True Buzz Athletics (@TrueBuzzFB) December 26, 2020
Denton is about 50 miles from Jordan’s hometown of Mesquite, Texas. Both are communities outside of Dallas.
Jordan captivated Utah fans during the recently completed, truncated 2020 season. He burst onto the scene and his performance figured to be a harbinger of a bright future, the latest in a long line of dynamic, prolific Ute running backs.
Earlier this week, Jordan earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors after rushing for 597 yards and 723 all-purpose yards. He concluded the season with three straight 100-plus-yard performances, including a career-high 167 yards against Oregon State.
Jordan separated himself from other Ute running backs during the season.
Rest In Peace, #22. Forever in our hearts.
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 26, 2020
We love you, Ty. pic.twitter.com/ZaXjWKg4Nc
In Utah’s final game just a week ago, Jordan ran 22 times for 154 yards and three touchdowns. He scored a fourth-quarter touchdown with 6:29 left that gave Utah the lead for good in an epic 21-point comeback win against Washington State.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said those in the program were “devastated” by Jordan’s tragic death.
“Words cannot express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling right now upon learning of the tragic death of our teammate and brother, Ty Jordan,” Whittingham said in a statement posted to the school’s website Saturday morning. “Ty’s personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us. 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.”
The 5-foot-7, 200-pounder finished the season ranking ninth in the FBS, and first among freshmen, in rushing yards per game (119.4) and is 11th in the FBS (first among freshmen) in rushing yards per carry (7.2)
Jordan became the first Utah player to earn conference freshman of the year honors since Jason Kaufusi accomplished the feat in 2000 in the Mountain West.
In Utah’s first win of the season, over Oregon State at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Dec. 5, Jordan scored his first TD as a Ute.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Ty Jordan’s passing early this morning and our thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him dearly, including the young men in our football program,” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement from the university. “Our priority is on supporting his family and the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our football program who are so deeply hurting right now. Coach Whittingham and I are working closely to provide support and resources for our Utah Football family in this extremely difficult time.”
This story will be updated.
from Deseret News https://ift.tt/38BnRiW
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario