The University of Utah that backed out of Tay Jordan, who was dubbed a newcomer in this year’s Buck 12 attack just days ago, died after accidentally shooting himself, according to authorities in his home state of Texas. He was 19 years old.
Jordan’s death was first announced on Saturday by the University of Utah soccer team, but it did not include details about the circumstances.
“Words cannot express the devastation and heartache our team is feeling now that it has learned of the tragic death of our colleague and brother Tai Jordan,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said in a statement.
Denton Police spokeswoman Alison Beckwith said officers from Denton Police Department responded to a Christmas call about a man who accidentally shot himself in the groin. The Associated Press Saturday.
Beckwith refused to name the victim, but online records from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner Office confirm it is Jordan.
Jordan was a major part of the University of Utah crime and closed the season with a 597-yard rush, 11 hunts for 126 yards and six touchdowns.
The new college student was a notable recruiter, but he witnessed his first big moment last year as a high school player when a picture of Jordan and Sherman High School player Gage Smith came out. Kneeling together and praying In the field it went viral.
While the two friends were playing in different teams, they united to pray for a miracle for Jordan’s mother, Tiffany Jordan, who had lung and bone cancer stage 4.
“I and him were supposed to have a moment and pray for his family and for his mother,” Smith told TODAY last year. “I just wanted to let him know that there are other people thinking about him and his family, and let him know he has someone to turn to.”
Jordan shared the heartbreaking news on August 14 of his mother’s death. In a November 2019 interview with TODAYTiffany Jordan pondered the special moment her son and friend shared on the field.
“I was speechless. It made me cry. (Smith) didn’t have to do that. The fact that he took the time to pray with Ty for me took my breath away,” she said.
She added, “It made me feel really good. I was frustrated and depressed, but it lifted my spirits.”
“A prayer, a kind word, a hug, especially when you know someone is going through something, it’s the best thing you can do for someone.”
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