‘Like a son.’ Vanderbilt’s Jerry Kill mourns tragic death of Utah State’s Andre Seldon Jr.

The news of Andre Seldon Jr.’s sudden and tragic death this weekend reverberated from Michigan to Utah to New Mexico and even to Nashville, where one of his former coaches just began working for the Vanderbilt football program.

Seldon, who transferred from New Mexico State to Utah State this offseason, died Saturday after an apparent drowning from diving off a cliff into a Utah reservoir, according to local officials. He was 22.

A defensive back from Belleville, Michigan, Seldon began his college career at the University of Michigan. He then transferred to New Mexico State, where he played for coach Jerry Kill the past two seasons.

Kill stepped down as head coach at New Mexico State in December after leading the program to its first 10-win season since 1960. He was subsequently hired by Vanderbilt to be chief consultant to the head coach and senior offensive advisor.

Kill, in a statement issued by Vanderbilt Sunday, said he considered Seldon to be like a son to him.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Andre. I will always love Andre like a son,” Kill’s statement began. “His smile lit up every room. His leadership was second to none. Every person that knew him gravitated towards him and his bright and contagious spirit. His teammates and I will always cherish the memories we made during our unforgettable time together. My heartfelt condolences go out to every person that was inspired and loved by Andre.”

The Vanderbilt football program is deeply saddened by the loss of Andre Seldon Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/BkXiFWeQZw

— Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) July 21, 2024

The Cache County Sheriff’s Office in Utah initially announced a search and rescue mission was underway around 2:20 p.m. on Saturday after a “young adult male was seen diving from the cliffs…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/son-vanderbilts-jerry-kill-mourns-215318725.html

Author : The Tennessean

Publish date : 2024-07-21 21:53:18

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