HERRIMAN — The man who drowned at Blackridge Reservoir was a college men's basketball player, according to the university where he was enrolled.
Officials at the University of Nebraska at Omaha said Sunday that the 22-year-old who died was a men's basketball player. The university identified him as Deng Mayar, although Herriman police previously said his name was Deng Ador. Police said he drowned Saturday at the reservoir.
Officials said he and another man, Sa Mafutaga, 21, were reported to be in distress on Saturday evening around 6 p.m. Mafutaga was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK.
"Our entire program is devastated to learn of Deng's passing," said Omaha men's basketball head coach Chris Crutchfield in a statement. "After competing against him for two years, we were elated to add him to our team and he made tremendous progress this summer. Deng was a joy to be around and made our culture better. We will miss him greatly."
Deng was a joy to be around and made our culture better. We will miss him greatly.
–Chris Crutchfield, University of Nebraska Omaha men’s basketball head coach
"We are devastated to learn of Deng's passing," added University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li and Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director Adrian Dowell. "On behalf of our university community, our love and sincere condolences are with his family during this difficult time. We also wish his friends and teammates in Omaha, North Dakota, and Salt Lake City family, peace as they process this tragic loss."
Deng Ador, or Deng Mayar, was born in Magna and played basketball at Judge Memorial High School. Prior to joining Omaha, he played at the University of North Dakota.
We are heartbroken by the loss of former student-athlete Deng Mayar, who passed away on Saturday. He was 22.
— North Dakota Men's Basketball (@UNDmbasketball) August 17, 2025
We extend are deepest condolences to Deng's family, teammates, friends and classmates. They are all in our thoughts and prayers
RELEASE: https://t.co/BnFMzE2Zlcpic.twitter.com/pacKK6ThRH
As of Sunday evening, Blackridge Reservoir was closed but it has since reopened.
