Utah running back You are Jordan The school announced Saturday.
The Denton (Texas) Police Department told ESPN that its officers responded to the shooting call at 10:38 PM ET on Friday. Officers discover a victim who was shot once. After applying life-saving measures, the victim was transferred to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“After a preliminary investigation, we believe this was an accidental shooting in which the victim accidentally shot himself,” Denton Police media officer Alison Beckwith told ESPN.
Rest in peace, No. 22. In our hearts forever.
We love you, Tai. pic.twitter.com/ZaXjWKg4Nc
Utah Football (Utah_Football) December 26, 2020
The police did not identify the victim.
“On behalf of the entire University of Utah, our love and condolences to Tay Jordan’s family, friends, colleagues, and coaches. We were shocked by this heartbreaking news. Watching Tai in the field was a pleasure because of his sport and talent. The rest” Utah President Ruth at Watkins said in a statement on Twitter. “In peace tai.”
Utes coach Kyle Whittingham said the team was broken.
“Tai’s personality and smile were contagious and he had a major influence on our program in the short time he spent with us,” Whittingham said in a statement on Saturday. “He leaves an indelible imprint on each of us, and our thoughts and prayers are directed to his family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, we all want in the Utah Football family to say we love you, Tai, and please rest peace.”
Jordan, 19, a freshman from Mesquite, Texas, attended West Mesquite High School and claimed the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year title after running 597 yards with six touchdowns in 83 loads in five matches. Assigned to the second All-Pac-12 team. It ranked fourth on the Pac-12 arenas in rush and third on the arenas in rush per game. Jordan was the first freshman in Utah to have three consecutive 100-yard dash games since 1995.
In November 2019, a photo of Jordan and a rival player from West Mesquite High School went viral. After Sherman High’s 56–27 victory over Mesquite West High, Sherman Gage Smith asked Jordan if they could kneel and pray together. Smith learned that Jordan’s mother, Tiffany, was battling stage 4 lung and bone cancer.
Aunt of Jordan posted photos of this moment on Facebook. “It made me cry,” Tiffany Smith told Today.com at the time. “(Smith) didn’t have to. The fact that he took the time to pray with Tai for me stunned me.”
Tiffany Jordan passed away in August, according to a tweet from Ty Jordan. She was 43 years old.
Dear mom, I love you so much, for the past two years you have shown me how much you are a warrior. Watch me and guide me, mom Rest in paradise A true soldier! pic.twitter.com/ESoWShaRS9
– Tay Jordan ✌🏾 (_ylfotyt) August 14, 2020
“We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Tay Jordan’s death early this morning and our thoughts and prayers are with those who love him most, including the youth on our football program,” Utah AD Mark Harlan said in a statement on Saturday. “Our priority is to support his family, student athletes, coaches and staff on our football program who are hurting badly right now. Coach Whittingham and I are working closely to provide support and resources for the Utah Football family at this very challenging time.”
