LOGAN, Utah, July 20, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — A cornerback set to make his Utah State debut this fall drowned Saturday afternoon at Porcupine Reservoir in Cache County, university officials said.
Andre Seldon Jr., a junior who followed interim head coach and defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling from New Mexico State, was seen diving from cliffs at the reservoir but did not resurface, according to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s deputies responded about 2:20 p.m., along with search and rescue crews, and the Utah Department of Public Safety dive team.
The dive team recovered Seldon’s body about 9:05 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office.
“Our football program is heartbroken to have to endure the loss of one of our own,” said Dreiling, who was hired to be former head coach Blake Anderson‘s defensive coordinator in February.
Anderson since has been fired over alleged Title IX policy violations, and Dreiling has taken over as interim head coach.
Dreiling spent the past two seasons as defensive coordinator at New Mexico State, where he helped those Aggies post a 17-11 record and play in consecutive bowl games, as well as the 2023 Conference USA championship game.
“Having had a previous relationship with Andre during our time together at New Mexico State, I can tell you he was an incredible person and teammate,” he said. “Our condolences and prayers go out to Andre’s family as we grieve with them over this tremendous loss.”
Seldon joined the Utah State football program this summer and was scheduled to begin classes in the fall. The Belleville, Michigan, native played the past two seasons at New Mexico State, and previously spent two seasons in Michigan, including a redshirt year.
“Our Utah State University Athletics family is devastated over the sudden death of Andre Seldon Jr.,” said USU Vice President and Director of Athletics Diana Sabau. “We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who loved Andre.”
University officials said athletics staff and student-athletes can seek mental and emotional support from Utah State’s CARE office, and counseling and psychological services are offering student support.
