University of Nebraska–Omaha forward Deng Mayar, 22, died Saturday after drowning at Blackridge Reservoir in Utah. Authorities said Mayar and a friend got into difficulty while swimming; his friend managed to reach shore and was hospitalized, but Mayar went under and did not resurface. Emergency crews later recovered his body.
Originally from Salt Lake City, Mayar transferred to Omaha this summer after playing at the University of North Dakota, where he averaged 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds last season. Omaha head coach Chris Crutchfield called him a “joyful spirit” who brought positive energy to the program. Teammates and coaches across both schools have shared tributes, remembering him as much for his character as his play on the court.
