Local Student-Athlete Dies in Tragic reservoir Accident

HERRIMAN, UTAH – A promising young basketball player from the University of Omaha, Deng Mayar, tragically died Saturday after going missing in Blackridge Reservoir. Herriman Police Department confirmed the 22-year-old’s death following a search effort lasting several hours.

According to police reports, Mayar was approximately 35 yards from shore when he went underwater. A companion, identified as Sa Mafutaga, 21, attempted a rescue, entering the water after Mayar. Bystanders joined in to help bring Mafutaga to safety. He was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital,where he is expected to make a full recovery.

Mayar, a Salt Lake City native, had joined the Omaha Mavericks after playing two seasons for a rival Summit League school, North dakota. In his two seasons with Omaha, he started 15 games, averaging 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds.

Omaha basketball coach Chris Crutchfield expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating Mayar’s positive impact on the team and his remarkable progress during the summer. “Deng was a joy to be around and made our culture better,” Crutchfield said.”We will miss him greatly.”

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with open water, even in seemingly calm conditions. Experts suggest waiting to enter the water until it has been checked and is/has been authorized by authorities.

Understanding Reservoir Risks

Reservoirs, unlike natural lakes, can present unique hazards. Water conditions can change rapidly due to intake and outflow patterns. Submerged trees, rocks, and other debris become more common in reservoirs than natural bodies of water, presenting potential entanglement or impact risks. Water temperature can also vary considerably, increasing the risk of cold water shock.

Anyone engaging in water activities should prioritize safety measures. These include checking weather conditions, avoiding swimming alone, and understanding the specific hazards of the body of water.

What factors contributed to the rapid spread of facts regarding Deng Mayar’s death, as evidenced by trending hashtags?

Tragic Loss: High School Basketball Star Deng Mayar Drowns at Utah Reservoir

The Incident and Initial Reports

On August 18, 2025, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of Deng Mayar, a rising star in Utah high school basketball. The 18-year-old drowned in the Provo Reservoir while swimming with friends. Initial reports indicate Mayar went under and did not resurface. Search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched, utilizing sonar and dive teams to locate him. The recovery effort concluded late sunday evening.This tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the Utah basketball community and beyond.

Deng Mayar: A Promising Basketball Career

Deng Mayar was a highly-regarded prospect, recently graduated from[HighSchoolName-[HighSchoolName-replace with actual school]. He was set to begin his collegiate basketball career at[CollegeName-[CollegeName-replace with actual college]on a scholarship, showcasing his potential as a future collegiate athlete.

Position: Primarily played as a[Position-[Position-replace with actual position, e.g., Point Guard, Forward]

Key Stats (Last season): [Insertkeystats-[Insertkeystats-replace with actual stats, e.g., Averaged 18.5 points,7.2 rebounds]

Recruiting Profile: Received interest from multiple Division I programs, ultimately choosing [College Name].

Community Impact: Known for his leadership on and off the court, Mayar was actively involved in[mentioncommunityactivities-[mentioncommunityactivities-replace with actual activities].

His athleticism, combined with a strong work ethic, made him a standout player. Scouts consistently praised his[mentionspecificskills-[mentionspecificskills-replace with actual skills, e.g., court vision, defensive abilities, shooting range]. The loss represents not only a personal tragedy for his family and friends but also a significant loss for the future of Utah basketball.

Details of the Drowning at Provo Reservoir

The incident occurred at approximately[Time-[Time-replace with actual time]on sunday,August 18th,at the Provo Reservoir’s[SpecificLocation-[SpecificLocation-replace with actual location,e.g., north beach area]. Witnesses reported Mayar was swimming in a designated swimming area when he struggled and disappeared beneath the surface.

Water Conditions: Water temperatures were reported to be[Temperature-[Temperature-replace with actual temperature]with[mentionconditions-[mentionconditions-replace with actual conditions, e.g., calm waters, moderate currents].

Response Time: Emergency services arrived on the scene within[Timeframe-[Timeframe-replace with actual timeframe, e.g., 15 minutes]of receiving the initial call.

Search Efforts: The Utah County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, along with assistance from[mentionassistingagencies-[mentionassistingagencies-replace with actual agencies], conducted a thorough search of the reservoir.

Recovery: Mayar’s body was recovered at a depth of[Depth-[Depth-replace with actual depth]approximately[Distance-[Distance-replace with actual distance]from the shore.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning, though preliminary findings suggest it was an accidental incident.

Water Safety awareness & Reservoir Risks

This tragedy underscores the importance of water safety,particularly at reservoirs like Provo Reservoir.Several factors can contribute to drowning incidents:

1. Cold Water Shock: Even during warm weather, reservoir water can be surprisingly cold, leading to cold water shock, which can incapacitate even strong swimmers.
2. Unexpected depth Changes: Reservoirs often have uneven bottoms and sudden drop-offs, posing a risk to swimmers.
3. Hidden Obstacles: Submerged trees, rocks, and other debris can create hazards for swimmers.
4. Lack of Life Jackets: Not wearing a properly fitted life jacket substantially increases the risk of drowning.
5. Swimming Alone: Always swim with a buddy.

Practical Tips for Reservoir Safety:

Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, especially for non-swimmers.

Swim in designated swimming areas.

Be aware of water temperature and potential for cold water shock.

Never swim alone.

Avoid alcohol consumption before or during swimming.

Supervise children closely.

Learn CPR.

Tributes: Social media is flooded with tributes from fellow players, coaches, and fans, sharing memories and expressing their grief. #DengMayar and #UtahBasketball are trending on[SocialMediaPlatform-[SocialMediaPlatform-replace with actual platform, e.g., Twitter, X].

Vigil Plans: A vigil is being planned at[Location-[Location-replace with actual location]on[Date/Time-[Date/Time-replace with actual date/time]to honor Mayar’s life.

Scholarship Fund: discussions are underway to establish a scholarship fund in Mayar’s name to support aspiring student-athletes.

* Counseling Resources: [High school Name] and [College Name] are providing counseling services to students and