Teenage football star Dion Stutts has passed away after a tragic accident involving an ATV on a farm in Mississippi.
Stutts had just finished his junior year at Memphis University School, a college-preparatory institution. The defensive lineman had committed to playing football for the University of Arkansas, but enjoyed a number of sports including wrestling during his time at high school.
Memphis University School coach and athletics director Bobby Alston told The Memphis Commercial Appeal that the 18-year-old had passed away in an accident in Batesville, which is around 55 miles from Tennessee city. Alston said: “Our hearts are broken for the family.
“Dion was such a great young man. He had a smile that warmed your heart when you had a chance to be around him. We’re going to miss that smile, miss that wonderful personality and we’re just praying for his family right now.”
The tragic news comes after Stutts had just completed his junior year and committed to play college football at Arkansas in March. On March 11, Stutts shared a montage of pictures of himself sporting the University's football attire, along with the caption: “Found my new home.”
Stutts' Instagram account was littered with pictures taken from the football field and wrestling ring.Dozens of users have left messages of condolences underneath his posts.
The 18-year-old reportedly chose the Razorbacks ahead of several leading programs as he had offers from the likes of Texas A&M, South Carolina, and Louisville. Stutts - who stood 6’3” and weighed 250lbs - announced his commitment to Arkansas by posing for a picture with coach Sam Pittman.
Stutts was an accomplished wrestler, too. He told Arkansas Online he would probably have pursued the sport and become a professional wrestler if he didn’t opt for a career in football.
He said: “I started it to get better at football, but I’m really good at the sport, so I could also proceed in it if I had to.”
