Utah star freshman running back Ty Jordan, 19, dies in shooting

University of Utah freshman star Ty Jordan has died in what police say looks like an accidental shooting

Ty Jordan, a star at the University of Utah and the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, died early Saturday in what police are calling an accidental shooting in his home state of Texas.

“Following a preliminary investigation, we do believe that this was an accidental shooting, where the victim accidentally shot himself,” Denton Police Department public information officer Allison Beckwith told ESPN.

Jordan, 19, from West Mesquite, Texas, was named the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year after running for 597 yards with six touchdowns on 83 carries in five games. He was named to the All-Pac-12 second team. Jordan was the first Utah first freshman to have three consecutive 100-yard rushing games since 1995.

Coach Kyle Whittingham expressed grief through a statement.

“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,” Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham said in a statement. “Ty’s personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us. He leaves an indelible mark on each of us and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, all of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ_6gX6H-F4

Jordan starred on the field and on the track at West Mesquite HS. He had 13 games with at least 100 yards rushing, finishing his career with 2,589 rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns. He was also named Co-District 7-5A Offensive Player of the Year as a senior.