OMAHA, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Omaha and the men’s basketball team mourn the loss of student-athlete Deng Mayar.  Mayar joined the Mavericks this past offseason after two years with North Dakota. He made 42 appearances and 15 starts for the Fighting Hawks.

Mayar also went by the last name Ador. On Saturday night, Deng Ador and 21-year-old Sa Mafutaga were swimming at Blackridge Reservoir. Just before 6:00 p.m., the Herriman Police Department was called to the reservoir to respond to two people in distress. Mafutaga was able to get out of the water but saw Ador was still struggling. The 21-year-old tried to get Ador out of the water but wasn’t able to. People in the area also attempted to help.

A team effort involving the Unified Fire Authority, South Jordan Fire Department Water Rescue Teams, and the Utah Highway Patrol Dive Team searched for Ador. After hours of searching, the Utah Highway Patrol’s submersible robot found Ador’s body at 10:40 p.m. Divers recovered him at 11:00 p.m.

“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. We also wish his friends and teammates in Omaha, North Dakota, and Salt Lake City family, peace as they process this tragic loss,” said Joanne Li, chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Adrian Dowell, Director of Athletics.

“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. Jodi and I, along with our entire program, send our hearts and prayers to Deng’s family, friends, and teammates,” said Chris Crutchfield, UNO men’s basketball head coach.

Mayar was 22 years old.