Andre Seldon Jr., Utah State football player and former Belleville High School star, dies of apparent drowning

(CBS DETROIT) – Utah State cornerback and former Belleville (Mich.) High School football star Andre Seldon Jr. died Saturday after drowning in a Utah reservoir, the school announced. He was 22.

According to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, the search began Saturday afternoon after police received reports of a young man who dove off the cliffs into the water of Porcupine Reservoir and did not resurface.

The Utah Department of Public Safety dive team found Seldon’s body around 9:05 p.m. Saturday night.

“Our investigation leads us to conclude that this was a tragic accident as multiple witnesses provided similar information,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Seldon joined the Utah State program this year after transferring from New Mexico State, where he played two seasons under current Utah State interim coach and defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling. Seldon began his college career at the University of Michigan.

“Our football program is devastated to lose one of our own,” Dreiling said in a statement. “I had a prior relationship with Andre during our time together at New Mexico State, and I can tell you what an incredible person and teammate he was. Our condolences and prayers go out to Andre’s family as we grieve with them over this tremendous loss.”

Seldon played 28 games for New Mexico State, recording 96 tackles and two interceptions. In 2023, he helped the Aggies to a 10-win campaign and one of the program’s most successful seasons in decades.

“The Aggie community is devastated to learn of the passing of Andre Seldon Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” New Mexico State said in a message on X.

Seldon trained in Belleville and was named Michigan’s fourth-best prospect in the class of 2020 by ESPN. He ranks among the top high school cornerbacks in the country.

As a senior in 2019, he led the Tigers to conference, district and regional championships and a berth in the MHSAA Division 1 state semifinals. Seldon transferred to Michigan, where he was a two-year letterman and a 2021 Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

Seldon was scheduled to begin classes at Utah State University this fall.

“Our Utah State University Athletics family is devastated by the sudden passing of Andre Seldon Jr.,” said 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.”