Omaha basketball player Deng Mayar dies in drowning at age 22

Deng Mayar, a 22-year-old forward, died after drowning at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah, while with a friend.

Omaha basketball player Deng Mayar dies in drowning at age 22

Two student athletes were swimming at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah, when they began to struggle. Officials say Sa Mafutaga reached the shore first, but then reentered the water to help Mayar. Bystanders and rescue crews searched the area for hours before a submersible robot located Mayar, and divers confirmed his death at the scene. Mayar was 22 and had joined the Omaha program this offseason after two seasons at North Dakota.

The incident places a harsh spotlight on water safety near campus communities and the pressures young athletes face when balancing sport, personal life, and sudden tragedy. It also underscores the need for clear support systems for players dealing with loss and for transparent communication from athletic departments during crises. In the hours after the death, UNO and UND spoke of mourning and the positive impact Mayar had on teammates, highlighting how a single tragedy can ripple through a program and a fan base.

Highlights

The story of a promising student athlete ends with a call to strengthen safety and care for those who grieve.