Police say former college football star Diondre Overton was shot and killed in the early hours of Saturday morning in North Carolina.
Overton played wide receiver for the team from 2016-19 and won two national championships, catching 52 career passes for 777 yards.
The Guildford County Sheriff’s Office released a statement Saturday afternoon that read: “Sheriff Danny H. Rogers reports that on September 7, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call of a loud party and noise disturbance at 3205 Spring Mill Road, Greensboro, NC 27406.
“As they were en route to the scene, deputies received updated information that a shooting had occurred at the scene.
Upon arrival, officers located the shooting victim and identified him as Diondre Overton, 26. Despite immediate medical assistance, Mr. Overton was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Tributes pour in for Diondre Overton after his tragic death aged just 26
Overton won two national championships while playing wide receiver for Clemson.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney laid flowers at Overton’s plaque near the stadium
“The investigation suggests that this incident is isolated. This remains an ongoing homicide investigation.
“Anyone with information or who attended the party is asked to contact Detective J. Robertson at 336-641-5969. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should contact Guilford County Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000.”
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney laid flowers at Overton’s plaque near the stadium Saturday night in tribute to the 26-year-old.
The football team announced the sad news Saturday ahead of its game against Appalachian State, writing: “Clemson Football and the entire Clemson family mourn the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.”
Following his death, several of his former teammates took to social media to pay tribute to their friend.
“Life ain’t fair man,” Amari Rodgers wrote, adding, “Please tell your loved ones you love them because you never really know. Long live Dre.”
Tee Higgins, now a star receiver for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, wrote: “Bro, I miss you already. I love you 5L. This hurts so bad right now.”
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Xavier Thomas wrote on his former teammate’s Instagram: “I love you to death, man. I do everything for you, bro. Fly high.”
Hours before his death, Overton shared a message to his 23,000 Instagram followers
Overton (right) poses for a media photoshoot during his time with the Memphis Showboats
Less than 24 hours before his death, Overton posted a cryptic message on his Instagram Stories, writing: “God is taking care of it. Don’t worry.”
He also wished a friend, Lennon, a happy birthday, a message she later reposted, adding: “There’s no way this will be our last message.”
Overton went undrafted after leaving Clemson, but later signed for various teams in the Canadian Football League and United States Football League.
He was initially recruited by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats but did not play a single game for them, before heading to Europe to sign for the Vienna Vikings.
In 2022, he returned to America and was drafted by the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL, before joining the Pittsburgh Maulers.
In January of this year, he was selected by the Memphis Showboats.