Mesquite, Texas - Utah rookie Ty Jordan has died at the age of just 19. The Utes running back was shot to death in what appeared to be a tragic accident.

According to an ESPN report citing the Denton Police Department, officers responded to a shooting on Friday.

Jordan, who was originally from Mesquite, Texas, was home over the holidays. Emergency responders tried to revive the injured athlete and then rushed him to a hospital, but once there, doctors could only pronounce him dead.

"Following a preliminary investigation, we do believe that this was an accidental shooting, where the victim accidentally shot himself," Denton Police spokesperson llison Beckwith told ESPN.

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The Utah Utes are mourning the loss of the Pac-12 newcomer of the year and paid tribute to Jordan on social media. “Ty’s personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us," coach Kyle Whittingham said in a statement.

Ty Jordan was considered a rising star in a breakout season that won him many plaudits.