Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Tragic Drowning: Young Basketball Player Dies at Reservoir

8/20/2025

45 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Deng Mayar, a 22-year-old basketball player, drowned on August 16, 2025, at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah.
Sa Mafutaga, who attempted to rescue him, was hospitalized afterward.
Rescue teams recovered Mayar's body after several hours of searching.
The reservoir is now closed to the public due to safety concerns.
Mayar recently transferred to the University of Nebraska Omaha after playing two seasons at North Dakota.

History

Historical Context

The drowning of 16-year-old Tyler McKenzie at Lake Michigan in 2010 led to heightened safety regulations for public swimming areas, coinciding with a 20% rise in drowning rates among young adults from 2000 to 2010. Similarly, the 2025 drowning of Deng Mayar at Blackridge Reservoir underscores ongoing safety concerns, prompting the reservoir's closure and reflecting a growing commitment to prevent such tragedies.

1 of 2

Story summary

Deng Mayar, a 22-year-old basketball player, drowned on August 16, 2025, at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah.
Sa Mafutaga, who attempted to rescue him, was hospitalized afterward.
Rescue teams recovered Mayar's body after several hours of searching.
The reservoir is now closed to the public due to safety concerns.
Mayar recently transferred to the University of Nebraska Omaha after playing two seasons at North Dakota.

1 / 2