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Utah Football Star Ty Jordan Tragically Dies at 19 — Here Are the Details

Olowokandi Fiyin
Dec 28, 2020
08:50 A.M.

Star football player of the University of Utah Football Team, Ty Jordan, tragically passed away at 19 from a devastating accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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The University of Utah Football Team, Utah Utes, has lost a bright and shining star in the person of Ty Jordan. The talented running back tragically passed away at 19 on Saturday, December 26.

His team confirmed the tragic news in a tribute to him on social media. According to reports, Jordan lost his life following a devastating shooting incident that took place on Friday night.

Ty Jordan #22 of the Utah Utes gets away from an opponent of the Washington State Cougars during their game December 19, 2020 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. | Photo: Getty Images

Ty Jordan #22 of the Utah Utes gets away from an opponent of the Washington State Cougars during their game December 19, 2020 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. | Photo: Getty Images

It was revealed that officers of the Denton Police Department in Texas received a call about a shooting incident. When they reported to the scene, the officers found a single victim, who happened to be Jordan, and took him to a local hospital.

Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead hours later. The police department's public information officer disclosed in a statement that the deceased passed away from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the hip.

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The outstanding teenager's death shook the Utah Utes team and head coach, Kyle Whittingham, disclosed that they were heartbroken by the tragic loss. He honored Jordan's short but impactful legacy, writing:

"He made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us. He leaves an indelible mark on each of us, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

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Days before his demise, Jordan's talent as a standout running back was celebrated when he was named the Pac-12's Offensive Freshman of the Year. It made history as the late footballer was the first Ute to earn the freshman award.

In his last season, the deceased performed excellently with five-game appearances where he ran 597 yards on 83 carries with six touchdowns. However, much more than that, Jordan was endeared to fans' hearts after he went viral last year.

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At the time, Jordan and his pal, Gage Smith, came together to offer prayers for the former's mother, Tiffany Jordan, who was battling stage 4 lung and bone cancer. They were photographed kneeling and praying on the field.

Despite the duo playing for opposing teams, they decided to join their faith together for a more significant battle. The gesture was applauded on social media after it was shared on Facebook by Jordan's aunt.

In an interview, Tiffany praised her son for taking the time out of his game to pray for her. Unfortunately, she passed away on August 14. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

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