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Utah freshman football star Ty Jordan dies after accidentally shooting himself, fans say he 'died too soon'

Ty Jordan was recently awarded the 2020 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman Player of the Year after rushing 597 yards and scoring 6 touchdowns

Ty Jordan, a 19-year-old football star who was a freshman running back for the University of Utah, died after he accidentally shot himself in the hip early Saturday, December 26, 2020. According to TMZ, cops responded to a call from someone who reported a gunshot victim. The individual identified as the running back football star was then rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police in Denton, Texas, tweeted that they responded to a shooting call and found a victim with a single gunshot “POLICE PRESENCE | There is currently a police presence in the 1100 block of Avenue A. Officers responded to a shooting call and located a single gunshot victim, who was transported to a local hospital.” They posted another tweet saying, “Following a preliminary investigation, it is believed the gun was accidentally discharged by the victim. There is no threat to the public.”

According to TMZ, Head Coach Kyle Whittingham said, "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. Ty's personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us” adding “All of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace.”

Ty Jordan was recently awarded the 2020 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman Player of the Year after rushing 597 yards and scoring 6 touchdowns. Social media users and those who knew Ty Jordan personally took to Twitter and paid their respects to the deceased. One stated, “Incredibly sad news from @Utah_Football. I join many Wildcats in sending deep condolences to Ty Jordan's teammates, coaches, friends, and family.”

Another expressed, “Of course, like many I haven't been able to think about much else today than Ty Jordan. In a shortened season of 5 games, Ty Jordan cemented his legacy at Utah, not with what could have been, but in my opinion what WOULD have been.” One tweeted, “Can’t believe the news about Ty Jordan. Loved watching him in the limited action we got for Utah Utes football this year. Guns kill people even if by accident, RIP.”

One added, “Our thoughts & prayers are with Ty Jordan, his family, and @Utah_Football.” Another said, “Prayers out to Utah’s Ty Jordan’s family, friends and teammates!!” A user posted, “Rip Ty Jordan, recently named #Pac12FB Freshman of the Year, died at a time too soon... #Utah #utahfootball.” 

A football team shared, “All my boys need prayer right now. We lost our brother, friend, and teammates. Lord wrap your hands around his family and friends all over the world. We are going to miss that smile Ty. Go lay on Moma’s shoulders for eternity. Forever #buzzgang @_ylfotyt” One said, “Bra just wanted to go home for Christmas. I’m Sick I don’t know this Kid but I’m crying. God please give Strengh to his family and Utah Football. I’m hurting it’s sucks man. I come from a place where this happens way too much Just stop please, being Hood is not Koo.. RIP Ty Jordan.”

According to Daily Mail, Utah Director of Athletics Mark Harlan said, “We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Ty Jordan's passing early this morning and our thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him dearly, including the young men in our football program.”  He added, “Our priority is on supporting his family and the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our football program who are so deeply hurting right now. Coach Whittingham and I are working closely to provide support and resources for our Utah Football family in this extremely difficult time.”

Jordan was a three-star recruit from Mesquite, who finished the season with 597 rushing yards on just 83 carries in five games for the Utes (3-2). He averaged 7.2 yards per carry and 119.4 per game, according to reports.