Utah running back Ty Jordan has died, the school announced Saturday.
The Denton (Texas) Police Department told ESPN that its officers responded to a shooting call at 10:38 p.m. ET Friday. Officers discovered a gunshot victim who had been shot one time. After life-saving measures were applied, the victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
“Following a preliminary investigation, we do believe that this was an accidental shooting, where the victim accidentally shot himself,” Denton Police Department public information officer Allison Beckwith told ESPN.
Rest In Peace, #22. Forever in our hearts.
We love you, Ty. pic.twitter.com/ZaXjWKg4Nc
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 26, 2020
Police did not identify the victim.
“On behalf of the entire University of Utah, our love and condolences to Ty Jordan’s family, friends, teammates and coaches. We are devastated by this heartbreaking news. To watch Ty on the field was to be thrilled by his athleticism and talent. Rest In Peace, Ty,” Utah president Ruth V. Watkins said in a tweeted statement.
Utes coach Kyle Whittingham said the team is devastated.
“Ty’s personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us,” Whittingham said in a statement Saturday. “He leaves an indelible mark on each of us and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, all of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace.”
Jordan, 19, a freshman from Mesquite, Texas, attended West Mesquite High and was named the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year after running for 597 yards with six touchdowns on 83 carries in five games. He was named to the All-Pac-12 second team. He ranked fourth in the Pac-12 in rushing yards and third in rushing yards per game. Jordan was the first Utah first freshman to have three consecutive 100-yard rushing games since 1995.
In November 2019, a photograph of Jordan and an opposing player from West Mesquite High went viral. After Sherman High’s 56-27 victory over Mesquite West High, Sherman’s Gage Smith asked Jordan if they could kneel and pray together. Smith had learned that Jordan’s mother, Tiffany, was battling stage 4 lung and bone cancer.
Jordan’s aunt posted photos of the moment to Facebook. “It made me cry,” Tiffany Smith told Today.com at the time. “(Smith) didn’t have to do that. The fact that he took the time to pray with Ty for me, that took my breath away.”
Tiffany Jordan died in August, according to a tweet by Ty Jordan. She was 43.
Dear mom, I love you so much, you’ve shown me over the past couple years how much a warrior you are. Watch over me and guide me momma ?? Rest in Paradise A true Soldier! pic.twitter.com/ESoWShaRS9
— Ty Jordan ✌? (@_ylfotyt) August 14, 2020
“We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Ty Jordan’s passing early this morning and our thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him dearly, including the young men in our football program,” Utah AD Mark Harlan said in a statement Saturday. “Our priority is on supporting his family and the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our football program who are so deeply hurting right now. Coach Whittingham and I are working closely to provide support and resources for our Utah Football family in this extremely difficult time.”
