Utah State football player Andre Seldon Jr. dies in cliff jumping accident

Utah State University is mourning the loss of football player Andre Seldon Jr., who apparently drowned in Porcupine Reservoir on Saturday afternoon.

The Cache County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a man jumping off a cliff and not resurfacing. Shortly after 9 p.m., the Utah Department of Public Safety dive team found the body of Seldon Jr.

“Our initial investigation leads us to believe this was a tragic accident as multiple witnesses are reporting the same information,” the Cache County Sheriff’s Office said.

Seldon Jr. was 22 years old.

“Our football program is deeply saddened to have to deal with the loss of one of our members,” said Nate Dreiling, interim coach and defensive coordinator at USU, in a statement. “Having previously shared a relationship with Andre during our time together at New Mexico State, I can tell you that he was an incredible person and teammate. Our condolences and prayers go out to Andre’s family as we grieve with them over this terrible loss.”

Seldon Jr. previously spent two seasons at New Mexico State under Dreiling before transferring to Logan last spring. He also spent two seasons at Michigan from 2020-2021. After leaving NMSU this offseason, Seldon Jr. committed to TCU before ultimately joining Dreiling on the Aggies on May 10.

“Our Utah State University Athletics family is devastated by the sudden passing of Andre Seldon Jr.,” said Utah State Athletic Director Diana Sabau. “We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone who loved Andre.”

Utah State said it will provide mental health resources and other forms of support to the Aggies as they grieve the death of Seldon Jr.

The death is the latest news to rock the Aggies football program. This month, head coach Blake Anderson, assistant vice president and assistant athletic director Jerry Bovee and director of player development Austin Albrecht were fired for allegedly failing to report a domestic violence case in April 2023.

Amy Crosbie, who previously served as assistant athletic director for internal affairs and senior administrative officer, was also dismissed from the program.