'Our hearts are broken': College athlete dies in accidental shooting
American sport has been rocked by the tragic death of college star Ty Jordan, who lost his life in a devastating accident at the age of 19.
Texas native Jordan was killed in what is being described as an "accidental shooting" after his gun reportedly went off unexpectedly.
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“Following a preliminary investigation, we do believe that this was an accidental shooting, where the victim accidentally shot himself,” a Denton Police Department spokesperson told ESPN.
Jordan was just this week named the the Pac-12 offensive freshman of the year and was also a second-team all-conference selection.
The Utah running back's school confirmed the horrible news of the teenager's death in a statement from team coach Kyle Whittingham.
“Words cannot express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling right now upon learning of the tragic death of our teammate and brother, Ty Jordan,” Utah coach Whittingham said.
“Ty’s personality and smile were infectious and 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.
"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.”
Some favorite moments and memories of Ty. Our hearts are broken, and he will be missed by all. pic.twitter.com/Fki5bgfRmT
— Kyle Whittingham (@UtahCoachWhitt) December 26, 2020
As a diehard Y fan, but more importantly human, & child of God, my heart is broken😢 Was looking forward to seeing him in Provo next year. RIP Ty, my prayers out to his family, you and the rest of the coaching staff, and the players who were around him. We’re all Utes today.
— BYUJazzguy (@BYUJazz_guy) December 26, 2020
What terrible news. Ute nation will stand tall to support and grieve for friends and family.
— Gen Rex. (@Generic_Ute) December 26, 2020
Our thoughts are with all of you, coach. Absolutely gutted for the family, friends, staff, and players.
— RIP, Ty 🥺💔 (@iliveinmyhat) December 26, 2020
Utmost respect to you coach and the UT football family - so sorry for your loss.
— Dave Dedrickson (@DaveDedrickson) December 26, 2020
This has been such devastating news! 💔 My heart goes out to you, all member of the football program and Ty Jordan‘s friends and family!❤️ #lltj
— Tiffanie N. Robinson (@tiffnrobinson) December 26, 2020
College football loses a star
Police said they responded to a call of a gunshot victim at just after 9:30pm local time on Friday.
Jordan played in all five of Utah’s games in 2020 and had 83 carries for 597 yards and six touchdowns.
He had 723 combined rushing and receiving yards and averaged over seven yards per carry.
Only Arizona State’s Rachaad White, who had 42 carries for 420 yards, averaged more yards per carry among Pac-12 players.
Rest In Peace, #22. Forever in our hearts.
We love you, Ty. pic.twitter.com/ZaXjWKg4Nc— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 26, 2020
Jordan became the first Utah freshman to rush for 100 yards in three consecutive games in 25 years.
He had 7 carries for 167 yards in the Utes’ win over Oregon State, 17 carries for 147 yards against Colorado and then ended the season with 154 yards on 22 carries against Washington State.
The 19-year-old scored all six of his rushing touchdowns in those three games and, not coincidentally, those games happened as Utah ended the season on a three-game win streak.
Utah finished the season at 3-2 and declined a bowl berth.
Jordan was a three-star recruit in the class of 2020 according to Rivals. He was ranked as the No. 12 all-purpose back in the country and the No. 74 player in the state of Texas.
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