Deng Mayar, University of Nebraska at Omaha forward, dies at 22

Deng Mayar, a college basketball player formerly of North Dakota who transferred this offseason to Nebraska (Omaha), has passed away. He was 22 years old.

Omaha announced the passing of Mayar in a statement and posts on social media this evening. North Dakota did so as well as did the leadership in the Summit League.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha Athletics and our program mourn the tragic passing of Deng Mayar. He was 22 years old.

Full statement at https://t.co/CRqTmeiadl. pic.twitter.com/2le0ackqCM

— Omaha Men’s Basketball (@OmahaMBB) August 17, 2025

We are heartbroken by the loss of former student-athlete Deng Mayar, who passed away on Saturday. He was 22.

We extend are deepest condolences to Deng's family, teammates, friends and classmates. They are all in our thoughts and prayers

RELEASE: https://t.co/BnFMzE2Zlc pic.twitter.com/pacKK6ThRH

— North Dakota Men's Basketball (@UNDmbasketball) August 17, 2025

“We are devastated to learn of Deng’s passing,” shared Omaha’s Chancellor Joanne Li and AD Adrian Dowell. “On behalf of our university community, our love and sincere condolences are with his family during this difficult time. We also wish his friends and teammates in Omaha, North Dakota, and Salt Lake City family, peace as they process this tragic loss.”

“Our entire program is devastated to learn of Deng’s passing,” added Chris Crutchfield, the Mavericks’ head coach. “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. Jodi and I, along with our entire program, send our hearts and prayers to Deng’s family, friends and teammates.”

“Our hearts are broken to hear the tragic news of Deng’s passing,” added Paul Sather, his former head coach with the Fighting Hawks. “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.  As competitive as he was on the court, he had a gentle nature and kind soul off the court.  Deng will be greatly missed by all of those that knew and loved him.”

“The Summit League and our entire membership mourn the passing of Omaha men’s basketball student-athlete, Deng Mayar,” wrote Commissioner Josh Fenton. “Although competitors on the playing surface, our members are close-knit and we are heartbroken for everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Mayar reportedly died on Saturday as he drowned in Blackridge Reservoir near Harriman, Utah. Those details come per reporting this evening by Sam McKewon at the Omaha World-Herald.

Mayar appeared in 42 games, 15 being starts, the past two seasons for North Dakota. He averaged 5.7 points (47.2% FG, 31.1% 3PT) and 3.9 rebounds per game, including 6.3 points (48% FG, 31.1% 3PT) and 4.0 rebounds per game this past season, while with the Fighting Hawks. That’s after spending a season at Howard (JUCO) in Big Spring, Texas. He then transferred again this offseason within the conference earlier this offseason to Nebraska (Omaha) in April.