Rick Bowmer-AP Photo
Ty Jordan, a 19 year old freshman of the Utah Utes football team, has died the school announced on Saturday. The Denton Texas Police Department explained to ESPN that an officer was dispatched to the shooting around 10:38 pm EST on Christmas Night. Once on scene officers found the gunshot victim with only one shot at the time. After performing several life-saving measures the victim was taken to the hospital and succumbed to his injury.
In a statement released from Allison Beckwith the Police Department’s public information officer, stated “Following a preliminary investigation, we do believe that this was an accidental shooting, where the victim accidentally shot himself.” Jordan, received the “Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year” after running 597 yards, 6 touchdowns on 83 carries in five games for the Utes team.
Ruth V. Watkins, Utah President released a statement via twitter saying, “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.”
Coach for the Utes Kyle Whittingham stated the team is devastated.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott, also released a statement stating “ We share in the shock and sadness felt by our Utah community today upon learning of the passing of one of our family members, Ty Jordan.”
Jordan’s stardom came from a viral photo of him and an opposing player from Sherman High School that Jordan’s aunt took and posted to Facebook. After Sherman High’s win of 56-27 over West Mesquite High, Jordan’s teammate Gage Smith asked Jordan if he would kneel and pray together. Smith learned that Jordan’s mother was battling stage four lung and bone cancer.
In August of this year Jordan’s mother passed away. In a tweet that Jordan released, she was 43.
The school is working hard to work with his family, friends, teammates and even coaches during this difficult time.
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