Univ. Of Utah Football Star Ty Jordan Dies At 19, Authorities Say He Accidentally Shot Himself With Handgun

College football star Ty Jordan, 19, accidentally shot himself in the hip with a handgun early Saturday, authorities say.

Jordan played for the University of Utah football team as a freshman running back.

Authorities responded to a call of a gunshot victim, TMZ reports. Jordan was rushed to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.

At this time, authorities believe the incident was an accident but would offer no further details.

Head Coach Kyle Whittingham stated on Saturday, “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. Ty’s personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us. All of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace.”

Jordan was named the 2020 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman Player of the Year. He rushed 597 yards and scored 6 touchdowns.

Utah director of athletics Mark Harlan also released a statement, “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.”

The incident occurred overnight while he was in Texas.