Utah sophomore cornerback Aaron Lowe was shot and killed early Sunday at a house party following the Utes' 24-13 win over Washington State, according to multiple reports.
The Salt Lake City Police Department said the shooting occurred at roughly midnight, leaving Lowe, 21, dead. Another was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Police are still searching for a suspect, but believe several witnesses saw what happened.
Lowe, in his third season with the Utes football program, played 11 games on special teams as a freshman in 2019. He played in five games in the COVID-19-shortened season in 2020, and also saw action in three games this year.
Lowe changed jersey numbers ahead of the 2021 season, going from No. 2 to No. 22 in memory of Ty Jordan, not only a Utah teammate, but also Lowe's best friend who played football with him in high school. Jordan died in December as a result of an accidental shooting. Lowe was the first recipient of the Ty Jordan Memorial Scholarship, an award created to honor Jordan.
“Ty made everyone around him better,” Lowe said after receiving the scholarship (via Salt Lake City TV Station KTVX). “He made me better. My friendship with Ty means a lot because he was always pushing me to be my best. He never let me settle for less. I want to make sure his legacy lives on through me.”
Several of Lowe's teammates reacted to the news on social media:
Rest In Peace A Lowe. Love you brother.
— Cameron Rising (@crising7) September 26, 2021
Rest in Peace Big Bro 🖤
— Micah Bernard (@ctb_mb) September 26, 2021
Rest In Peace A Lowe
— Brant kuithe (@Brantkuithe14) September 26, 2021
I’m so hurt 💔😞
— Ja'Quinden Jackson (@leg3ndaryjaay) September 26, 2021
Why do the good have to die young? Love you brother. Rest in paradise
— devin lloyd (@DevinLloyd_) September 26, 2021
Man this world cold.. rest in paradise @Ezmoneylowe love you lil brudda😔🕊
— Jaylon Johnson (@NBAxJay1) September 26, 2021