Man Declared Dead Following Drowning at Blackridge Reservoir

Tragic Drowning at Blackridge Reservoir Claims Life of 22-Year-Old College Athlete

A 22-year-old man has been found dead after drowning at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah. The victim, identified as Deng Ador, was a men’s college basketball player who had recently transferred from the University of North Dakota to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 16, when police received a 911 call around 5:40 p.m. reporting two individuals in distress in the water. According to the Herriman Police Department, Deng Ador and his friend Sa Mafutaga, 21, were struggling in the reservoir. Mafutaga managed to reach the shore but saw that Ador was still in danger. Mafutaga attempted to return to help Ador but was unable to do so. Bystanders then joined the effort, and Mafutaga was eventually taken to the hospital by the Unified Fire Authority. He is expected to recover.

Ador reportedly went underwater approximately 35 yards from the shore. Rescue teams from the Unified Fire Authority and South Jordan Fire Department conducted search efforts, later joined by the Utah Highway Patrol dive team. After several hours of searching, UHP’s submersible robot located Ador at 10:40 p.m. Divers recovered him at 11:00 p.m., and he was pronounced deceased.

Ador’s family was present during the search and has been notified. His passing has sent shockwaves through the sports community, as he was known for his talent and positive attitude both on and off the court.

A Rising Star in College Basketball

Deng Ador, also known as Deng Mayar, was born in Magna and attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School. He played two seasons at the University of North Dakota before transferring to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His journey in collegiate basketball made him a well-known figure among fans and teammates.

University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li and Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over Ador’s passing. They said, “We are devastated to learn of Deng’s passing. On behalf of our university community, our love and sincere condolences are with his family during this difficult time.”

Omaha men’s basketball head coach Chris Crutchfield shared his heartbreak, stating, “Our entire program is devastated to learn of Deng’s passing. After competing against him for two years, we were elated to add him to our team and he made tremendous progress this summer. Deng was a joy to be around and made our culture better. We will miss him greatly.”

Paul Sather, the University of North Dakota men’s basketball coach, also expressed his grief, saying, “Our hearts are broken to hear the tragic news of Deng’s passing. He was a wonderful person with a heart the size of a gym. Our thoughts are with his parents and family, along with all his teammates from UND and UNO.”

Ongoing Investigation and Community Response

The Herriman City Police Department’s investigations unit is asking anyone who witnessed the events and has not yet spoken with detectives to contact them at 801-858-0035, referencing case HR25-16361. The department has also closed Blackridge Reservoir until further notice, including the adjacent trailhead and all grass and beach areas.

This tragic event has left a lasting impact on the community, especially those who knew Deng Ador personally. His friends, family, and teammates are mourning the loss of a young man whose potential was just beginning to unfold.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting Ador’s loved ones and ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again. The community is coming together to honor his memory and celebrate the life of a promising athlete and kind-hearted individual.