College basketball player Deng Mayar, 22, dies in drowning incident

Published: Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11:54 am

College Basketball Player Deng Mayar Dies in Drowning Incident

Omaha men's basketball player Deng Mayar has died in a drowning incident, the school announced. The incident occurred on Saturday. Mayar was 22 years old.

The incident involved Mayar and another individual, 21-year-old Sa Mafutaga, who were struggling in the water. Mafutaga was able to reach the shore with the assistance of bystanders. He attempted to help Mayar but was unable to reach him. Emergency personnel were called to the scene.

Emergency officials searched for Mayar for several hours before locating his body using a submersible robot. Mafutaga was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.

Omaha head coach Chris Crutchfield expressed the team's devastation at the news. He highlighted Mayar's positive impact on the team's culture and the joy he brought to those around him. Crutchfield and his staff extended their condolences to Mayar's family, friends, and teammates.

Mayar previously played for North Dakota for two seasons. North Dakota head coach Paul Sather also shared his condolences, remembering Mayar as a wonderful person with a kind heart. Sather noted Mayar's competitive spirit on the court and his gentle nature off the court.

BNN's Perspective: This is a tragic loss for the Omaha basketball program and the broader college sports community. It serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with water activities and the importance of water safety. Our thoughts are with the Mayar family and the entire Omaha basketball team during this difficult time.

Keywords: Deng Mayar, Omaha basketball, drowning, death, sports, college basketball, Chris Crutchfield, Paul Sather, Sa Mafutaga, North Dakota, Blackridge Reservoir, Herriman, Utah

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