A college football player who was set to play for Utah State University in the fall was found dead Saturday after what authorities described as an apparent cliff jumping accident, the school confirmed.
The university identified Andre Seldon Jr. in a news release mourning his death, noting that the cornerback had recently transferred from New Mexico State University, where Seldon played two seasons for Nate Dreiling, Utah State’s interim head coach.
Dreiling said the football program was “heartbroken to have to endure the loss of one of our own.”
“Having had a relationship with Andre during our time at New Mexico State, I can tell you what an incredible person and teammate he was,” Dreiling said. “Our condolences and prayers go out to Andre’s family as we grieve with them over this tremendous loss.”
The Cache County Sheriff’s Office in Logan, Utah, said it received reports of a possible drowning at Porcupine Dam Saturday afternoon. Witnesses told authorities that a young man had not resurfaced after being seen diving into the reservoir from a cliff.
Dive teams found him shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday, about seven hours after the sheriff’s office was called to the scene. The sheriff’s office confirmed the man was a Utah State University student athlete, but did not identify him after his death.
“Our initial investigation leads us to believe this was a tragic accident as multiple witnesses reported the same information,” the sheriff’s office said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the student-athlete’s family and friends.”
The university said it is working to provide students and athletic department staff with emotional and mental support following Seldon’s death.
Seldon began his college football career at the University of Michigan, his home state, in 2020 before transferring as a redshirt freshman to New Mexico State, according to his New Mexico State profile. He graduated from Belleville High School, where he played football and participated in the school’s track and field team.
He started 12 of 13 games for New Mexico in 2022, ranking fifth on the team in tackles, according to his profile.
New Mexico State and the University of Michigan released statements on social media Sunday morning honoring Seldon.
