Deng Ador dies in fatal Herriman drowning
Fatal Herriman drowning death of Deng Ador
Emergency services responded to Blackridge Reservoir on Saturday afternoon after reports of someone in distress. Initial police statements indicated that Deng Ador, who was 22 years old, and Sa Mafutaga, who was 21 years old, encountered difficulties in the water around 6 p.m. According to authorities, Mafutaga reached the safety of the shore but observed his companion struggling. He then returned to the water to provide assistance but was unsuccessful.
Subsequent reports from witnesses described seeing police personnel carrying a stretcher past bystanders at the scene, with one individual appearing pale and unresponsive. A neighbor involved in the incident recounted the frightening sight to investigators.
Efforts to locate Ador intensified as rescue teams from the Unified Fire Authority, South Jordan Fire Department, and the Utah Highway Patrol dive team combed the area for several hours. Ador was reportedly submerged approximately 35 yards from the shoreline. A remotely operated underwater vehicle eventually identified his position around 10:40 p.m. Following the discovery, divers retrieved his body approximately twenty minutes later, confirming his death at the scene.
Family members identified him using the name Deng Mayar. Ador had previously played college basketball at the University of North Dakota and was scheduled to continue his athletic career for the upcoming season at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Both institutions expressed their condolences following the tragic event.
