UND mourns Deng Mayar

UND mourns former student-athlete Deng Mayar who died on August 16, 2025 at age 22.

UND Mourns Deng Mayar

Deng Mayar, 22, was a member of the UND men’s basketball program during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons. He appeared in 42 games and averaged 5.7 points per game, helping the Fighting Hawks reach the Summit League Tournament semifinals in 2024–25. He was preparing to play for the University of Nebraska at Omaha next season and hailed from Salt Lake City, Utah, after playing for Howard Junior College.

UND issued condolences and noted that counseling and support services are available to students and employees. The university’s resources include the University Counseling Center (open weekday hours) and 24/7 First Link support via 211 or 701-235-7335, with Faculty and staff also invited to use the Employee Assistance Program for additional help.

The news highlights the fragility of life and the pressures facing student-athletes. It underscores how campuses respond with care, offering immediate support while balancing public messaging with empathy. Beyond condolences, the release signals a long-term responsibility to student welfare, not just a one-time gesture. Universities should see such tragedies as a call to strengthen mental health access, peer support, and coaching training to recognize distress. This moment could push programs to normalize conversations about grief and well-being in team culture and in broader campus life.

Highlights

The campus memory of Deng Mayar may guide ongoing support for students who face loss.