The university verified that a collegiate football player who was scheduled to play for Utah State University in the autumn was discovered deceased on Saturday following what the police reported to be an apparent cliff-diving tragedy.
In a statement expressing grief at his passing, the institution identified Andre Seldon Jr. as the cornerback, mentioning that he had recently transferred from New Mexico State institution. Seldon spent two seasons playing under Utah State’s interim head coach, Nate Dreiling, there.
The football team was “heartbroken to have to endure the loss of one of our own,” according to Dreiling.
“Having had a previous relationship with Andre during our time together at New Mexico State, I can tell you he was an incredible person and teammate,” Dreiling stated. “Our condolences and prayers go out to Andre’s family as we grieve with them over this tremendous loss.”
The Utah State University community is mourning the death of football student-athlete Andre Seldon Jr.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/cIScmcewp5
— USU Football (@USUFootball) July 21, 2024
Reports of a potential drowning at Porcupine Dam were received on Saturday afternoon, according to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office in Logan, Utah. Authorities were informed by witnesses that a young man who had been saw jumping into the reservoir from the cliffside did not surface.
Scuba teams discovered him on Saturday shortly after 9 p.m., or about seven hours after the sheriff’s office was initially contacted. After the man’s death, the sheriff’s office acknowledged that he was a Utah State student-athlete but did not reveal his identity.
“Our initial investigation leads us to believe this is a tragic accident as multiple witnesses recount the same information,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Our heartfelt condolences go to family and friends of the student athlete.”
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Following Seldon’s passing, the university stated that it was attempting to offer emotional and mental support to students and employees in the athletics department.
As to his New Mexico State profile, Seldon started his collegiate football career in 2020 at his home state of Michigan University before moving as a redshirt freshman to New Mexico State. He played football and was a member of the track and field team at Belleville High School, where he received his diploma.
According to his profile, he led the team in tackles while starting 12 of the 13 games he played for New Mexico State in 2022. In remembrance of Seldon, New Mexico State and the University of Michigan posted remarks on social media on Sunday morning.
