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Ty Jordan, a star running back for the University of Utah died from an accidental gunshot on December 26, 2020. He had just been named Pac-12’s Newcomer of the Year that day prior to the accident. Courtesy photo
Ty Jordan, a 19-year-old running back for the University of Utah died on December 26, 2020 after an accidental shooting. A representative of the Denton Police Department in Denton, Texas said officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1100 block of Avenue B.
Jordan was found with a single gunshot wound and transported to Denton Regional Medical Center four miles away. The medical staff did everything to try and save him, but unfortunately, Jordan passed away.
Jordan had a football future ahead of him, because the incident occurred just one day after he was named Pac-12’s Newcomer of the Year. Jordan went to West Mesquite High School and rushed 1,236 yards and 16 touchdowns in his junior year. His senior year, he ran for 453 yards on 77 carries and had 41 receptions for 378 yards. He scored a combined total of 11 touchdowns (seven rushing, four receiving). He had initially verbally committed to playing for the Texas Longhorns, but changed his mind and signed with the Utah Utes instead.
Many people who knew Jordan have spoken up about his infectious smile and positive attitude.
Ruth V. Watkins, Utah University President, tweeted about Jordan and what he meant to everybody at the university.
“On behalf of the entire University of Utah, our love and condolences to Ty Jordan’s family, friends, teammates and coaches,” Watkins tweeted Saturday. “We are devastated by this heartbreaking news. To watch Ty on the field was to be thrilled by his athleticism and talent. Rest In Peace, Ty.”
Even Utes Coach Kyle Whittingham gave his condolences and spoke about the emptiness Jordan leaves behind.
“Ty’s personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us,” Whittingham said. “He leaves an indelible mark on each of us and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, all of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace.”
Whittingham said he knew when he first saw Jordan that there was something special about him.
“We knew he would be great before he even set foot on our campus,” Whittingham said.
“He was a light, always with a smile on his face. One of the hardest working and most humble guys we’ve seen come through this program. We love you, Ty.”
A makeshift memorial was created to allow teammates and classmates to share their feelings about the loss of Jordan. Currently, it has a photo of Jordan, with “#LLTJ” written on it. The hashtag stands for “Long Live Ty Jordan.” People who were touched by Jordan have left several items on the makeshift memorial to serve as a gesture of love for the football player who was taken way too soon.