Deng Mayar was a young and talented basketball player at the University of Nebraska-Omaha who tragically lost his life in a drowning accident, find out more below
The tragic news has notably stunned his university community, teammates, and coaches, who remember him for both his competitive spirit and kindness.
University of Nebraska-Omaha basketball player Deng Mayar: Cause of death, bio, age and family
Our thoughts are with the family of Deng Mayar and the Omaha & UND basketball, athletic, and campus communities during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ITukU0ZRhp
— Josh Fenton (@Fenton_JC) August 17, 2025
Mayar’s promising basketball career was sadly cut short and his passing has deeply affected not only Omaha but also the wider college basketball world.
Deng Mayar passes away
A young and upcoming college basketball player named Deng Mayar recently died in a drowning accident on Saturday evening at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah. Mayar was reportedly swimming with a friend named Sa Mafutaga before things took a dangerous turn. While Mafutaga managed to reach shore, Mayar struggled and despite their best efforts to rescue him, they failed to save him.
Cause of death
According to reports, the cause of Deng Mayar’s death was confirmed as drowning. Following the news about the drowning, emergency crews, including the Unified Fire Authority and the Utah Highway Patrol Dive Team, immediately launched a thorough search using a submersible robot. They eventually found and recovered Mayar’s body late that night alongside his friend Mafutaga, who was hospitalized but expected to recover fully. Authorities have temporarily closed the entire reservoir in order to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
🚨 Omaha forward Deng Mayar (22) has died in a drowning accident at Blackridge Reservoir, Utah 💔
— Began struggling while swimming with a friend (who survived)
— Body recovered late Sat night by search teams
— Grad transfer to UNO after 2 yrs at North Dakota#BINI #MUFC #sasa pic.twitter.com/Rb0zP2AZWZ— GlobeUpdate (@Globupdate) August 18, 2025
Tributes and condolences
Following the news about his death, University leaders, coaches, and teammates expressed profound grief over Mayar’s passing. Joanne Li, who is the chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, said:
We are devastated to learn of Deng’s passing. On behalf of our university community, our love and sincere condolences are with his family during this difficult time.”
Omaha’s head coach Chris Crutchfield shared:
Deng was a joy to be around and made our culture better. We will miss him greatly. Jodi and I, along with our entire program, send our hearts and prayers to Deng’s family, friends, and teammates.”
Former North Dakota coach Paul Sather added:
Our hearts are broken. Deng was a wonderful person with a heart the size of a gym. As competitive as he was on the court, he had a gentle nature and kind soul off the court. Deng will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.”
Deng Mayar biography
Age 22 Deng Mayar was a young and upcoming college basketball star who grew up in the Salt Lake City area. He played college basketball at the University of Nebraska-Omaha at the time of his death. He mainly played as a forward and had an impactful presence on the court. Mayar joined Omaha with excitement for starting a new chapter in his basketball journey.
He had a sister named Angelina Deng.
Deng’s 23rd birthday would have been on August 31st, just a couple of weeks away and he had recently graduated from University of North Dakota in April, where he excelled both on and off the basketball court. He earned a full-ride scholarship to play at University of Nebraska, Omaha, where he was set to begin his master’s program in the coming weeks.
Omaha forward Deng Mayar (22) died in a drowning accident at Blackridge Reservoir, Utah after struggling to swim with a friend who survived.
We lost a wonderful person too soon. Deng brought so much joy and love to everyone around him. Please consider donating to help his family lay him to rest. Every bit counts. ❤ https://t.co/fVNtkcFdkD pic.twitter.com/igRF65bWSf
— Sanjin Kolovrat (@CoachSanjin) August 18, 2025
Age and height
Deng Mayar was 22 years old at the time of his death and stood at an imposing height of 6 feet 7 inches.
Education
Deng Mayar was a student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha after transferring from the University of North Dakota at the time of his death. He played college basketball at both institutes, and last season, he made 42 appearances and started 15 games at North Dakota, averaging 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds.
KETV has learned that Omaha men's basketball player Deng Mayar died in a drowning incident at Blackridge Reservoir in Utah.
Mayar, who transferred from North Dakota in April, was 22 years old. @KETV pic.twitter.com/IZHz9e7ktL
— Matt Sottile (@MSottileTV) August 18, 2025
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