22-year-old Omaha Basketball Star Deng Mayar Dies, Cause of Death Unknown | NBA News Times of India

The University of Nebraska-Omaha is in mourning following the tragic drowning of forward Deng Mayar, 22, in Utah. Mayar, a recent transfer from North Dakota, was confirmed deceased after an extended recovery effort at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, where he had been swimming with 21-year-old friend Sa Mafutaga on Saturday evening. When the two appeared to be struggling, Mafutaga managed to reach the shore and tried to help Mayar, but was unsuccessful.

Local authorities deployed intensive search and rescue efforts. Mayar’s body was eventually located by a submersible robot around 10:40 p.m. and recovered shortly after 11:00 p.m. Mafutaga was transported to a hospital and is on the road to recovery. The reservoir was temporarily closed for an investigation into the incident.

The news of Mayar’s sudden death shook the college basketball community, with coaches, teammates, and university staff expressing their sorrow. Mayar was known to be both competitive on the court and a kind-hearted individual outside of it.

“We are devastated by Deng’s passing. Our university community extends our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time. We also wish his friends and teammates in Omaha, North Dakota, and Salt Lake City peace as they process this tragic loss”, said Joanne Li, chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Adrian Dowell, the school’s athletic director.

Before joining Omaha, Mayar had played two seasons at North Dakota, appearing in 42 games and starting in 15. Last season, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Reflecting on his former player, North Dakota coach Paul Sather stated, “Our hearts are broken to hear the tragic news of Deng’s passing. He 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 of those that knew and loved him.”

The unexpected passing of Deng Mayar, who grew up in the Salt Lake City area and was looking forward to the next chapter in his basketball career, leaves a void in not just the Omaha team, but across the Summit League as well.