Utah State football player apparently dies in cliff jumping accident

November 18, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Running back Larenzo McMillan (16) and cornerback Andre Seldon (8) of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrate with their fans after the victory over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory photo credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

A Utah State football player apparently died of drowning on Saturday.

Utah State announced the news of the death of cornerback Andre Seldon Jr. early Sunday morning. Seldon was 22 years old.

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The Utah State University community mourns the passing of football student-athlete Andre Seldon Jr.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/cIScmcewp5

— USU Football (@USUFootball) July 21, 2024

According to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office in Utah, Seldon’s body was discovered Saturday night after an extensive search involving a dive team and a helicopter. Authorities had received 911 calls from witnesses who reported that a man had not resurfaced after jumping off a cliff in a body of water called Porcupine Reservoir.

“Our 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 in a statement.

Seldon transferred to Utah State this offseason after spending the previous two seasons at New Mexico State. He was a team captain at New Mexico State and appeared in 28 games, recording 98 tackles and two interceptions.

Utah State interim coach and defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling previously served as defensive coordinator at New Mexico State, so he has coached Seldon at both programs. Dreiling made a social media post calling Seldon “one of the best people I’ve ever known.”

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I’m not sure I’ve ever had a conversation with Andre that I didn’t smile during. He is one of the best people I’ve ever known. He meant so much to so many and always made you feel better when you were around him. He is such a bright light in this world with his smile. Love you buddy pic.twitter.com/Gaz7wxJKp9

— Nate Dreiling (@CoachNDreiling) July 21, 2024

Seldon began his college career at Michigan after playing football at Belleville (Michigan) High School. He played two seasons with the Wolverines before transferring to New Mexico State.