Deng Mayar, a 22-year-old basketball player for the University of Nebraska-Omaha, tragically died in a drowning incident at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah, on August 16, 2025. He was swimming with a friend, Sa Mafutaga, when both began to struggle in the water.
managed to reach the shore and re-entered the water attempting to rescue Mayar but was unsuccessful. Rescue teams searched for several hours and recovered Mayar’s body about 35 yards from shore. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mayar was a promising athlete who had transferred to the University of Nebraska-Omaha from the University of North Dakota, where he played for two seasons.
He was highly regarded by his coaches and teammates, with the Omaha men’s basketball coach, Chris Crutchfield, praising Mayar’s progress and positive impact on the team culture. Mayar was from Salt Lake City and left behind a grieving family including six siblings.
The Blackridge Reservoir remains closed until further notice following the incident. The basketball community and the university mourn his loss deeply.
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