A college football player who was set to join Utah State University this fall tragically passed away on Saturday following what authorities have described as an apparent cliff-diving accident. The university has confirmed the death of Andre Seldon Jr., a promising young athlete whose untimely passing has deeply affected all who knew him.

Andre Seldon Jr. was identified as the individual who lost his life. According to a statement released by Utah State University, Seldon, a cornerback, was a recent transfer from New Mexico State University. During his tenure at New Mexico State, Seldon played for two seasons under Nate Dreiling, who is now serving as Utah State’s interim head coach.

Dreiling, who had previously coached Seldon, expressed profound grief over the loss. “Our football program is heartbroken to endure the loss of one of our own,” Dreiling stated. “Having had a prior relationship with Andre during our time together at New Mexico State, I can tell you he was an exceptional person and teammate. His absence is deeply felt by all of us. Our condolences and prayers are with Andre’s family as we mourn this tremendous loss together.”

The Cache County Sheriff’s Office in Logan, Utah, reported receiving calls about a possible drowning incident at Porcupine Dam on Saturday afternoon. Witnesses recounted observing a young man dive from the cliffside into the reservoir, after which he did not resurface. This led to a search operation by dive teams, who located the body just after 9 p.m. that evening. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the deceased was a student-athlete at Utah State but withheld his identity until official confirmation from the university.

“Our preliminary investigation suggests that this is a tragic accident, based on consistent accounts from multiple witnesses,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Our heartfelt condolences extend to the family and friends of the student-athlete during this profoundly difficult time.”

In light of this tragic event, Utah State University has mobilized support resources to assist students and staff within the athletics department, providing emotional and mental health support as they navigate this period of grief.

Andre Seldon commenced his collegiate football career at the University of Michigan, his home state, in 2020. He later transferred to New Mexico State University as a redshirt freshman, where he continued to hone his athletic skills. His profile from New Mexico State highlights his standout performance, including starting 12 out of 13 games in the 2022 season and ranking fifth on the team in tackles.

Prior to his collegiate career, Seldon attended Belleville High School, where he excelled not only in football but also in track and field. His achievements in high school and early collegiate performance positioned him as a highly promising talent in the sport.

Following his death, both New Mexico State University and the University of Michigan issued statements on social media, paying tribute to Seldon and honoring his memory. The widespread expressions of support from these institutions reflect the significant impact Seldon had on his teammates, coaches, and the broader collegiate sports community. His sudden and tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the deep loss felt by those who knew and cherished him.