Utah State University is mourning the loss of cornerback Andre Seldon Jr., who died in an apparent drowning accident on Saturday. The 22-year-old football player was cliff diving at Porcupine Reservoir in Utah when he failed to resurface.
The Cache County Sheriff’s Office reported that a search began Saturday afternoon after witnesses called about a young man who didn’t come up after diving. After an extensive search involving a dive team and helicopter from the Utah Department of Public Safety, Seldon’s body was recovered at 9:05 p.m. MT.
“Our investigation leads us to believe this is a tragic accident as multiple witnesses recount the same information,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Andre Seldon Jr. had recently transferred to Utah State and was set to start classes in the fall semester. He had previously played at New Mexico State, where he was a team captain and made significant contributions on the field.
Utah State’s interim head coach, Nate Dreiling, who had worked with Seldon at New Mexico State, expressed his grief on X (formerly known as Twitter). He wrote:
“Not sure I ever had a conversation with Andre where I didn’t end up smiling. One of the best people I have ever been around. He meant so much to so many and always made you feel better when you were around him. Such a bright light in this world with his smile. Love you bud.”
Diana Sabau, Utah State’s vice president and director of athletics, offered condolences on behalf of the university in a written statement.
“Our Utah State University Athletics family is devastated over the sudden death of Andre Seldon Jr. We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who loved Andre.”
The young athlete’s journey in football included two years at Michigan before his time at New Mexico State. Michigan coach Sherrone Moore remembered Seldon as “a great young man on and off the field.”