Tragic Loss for College Basketball: Deng Mayar Passes Away at 22
August 18, 2025 – The basketball world is mourning the loss of Deng Mayar, a talented 22-year-old forward for the University of Nebraska at Omaha basketball team, who tragically passed away in a drowning accident in Utah. The incident occurred on Saturday at Blackridge Reservoir, located roughly 25 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, officials received a distress call at 5:45 PM regarding two individuals struggling in the water. Deng was swimming with a friend, Sa Mafutaga, when he began to experience difficulties approximately 35 yards offshore. Sa managed to reach land but heroically fled back into the water in a desperate attempt to save him. Unfortunately, he was unable to reach Deng in time.
Efforts by bystanders and rescue personnel followed, involving teams from the Unified Fire Authority, South Jordan Fire Department, and Utah Highway Patrol’s dive team. After several hours of search efforts, Deng’s body was tragically recovered at 11:00 PM. Authorities have since announced that Blackridge Reservoir will remain closed until further notice.
Deng Mayar’s Promising Legacy
Standing 6’8
