Diondre Overton, a wide receiver who was part of two national championship teams for Clemson, was shot and killed in a shooting in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Overton was 26 years old.
According to a press release from GCSO, officers responded to a report of a noise disturbance at 2:30 a.m. ET. While en route, they were informed that a shooting had occurred. Overton was identified upon arrival and was pronounced dead at the scene after receiving immediate medical attention.
Police are investigating and suspect this is an isolated incident.
“Clemson Football and the entire Clemson family mourn the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” read a statement from the football team posted Saturday on X.
Clemson Football and the entire Clemson Family mourn the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. photo.twitter.com/eCfIPQxO64
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 7, 2024
Overton played for the Tigers from 2016-2019, recording 52 receptions and seven touchdowns in 51 games. During his time at the school, they won four ACC championships and national titles in 2016 and 2018.
As a senior in 2019, Overton had his best season as a Tiger with 352 receiving yards on 22 catches and three touchdowns. His best game that same season came in a win over Boston College when he had 119 receiving yards on three catches and three touchdowns.
Overton also served as team captain and was selected to the Academic All-ACC team his senior season.
Emotional stuff: During Tiger Walk right now, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney stops, kneels and blows a kiss to Diondre Overton’s captain plaque. Overton, a former Tigers wide receiver, died at age 26, the team announced this morning photo.twitter.com/Be0K7vfzL7
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 7, 2024
After his college career, Overton played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), the Vienna Vikings (Australian Football League), the Philadelphia Stars and Pittsburgh Maulers (USFL), and the Memphis Showboats (UFL).
Before arriving at Clemson, Overton played basketball and football at Walter Hines Page Senior High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. He earned his sports communications degree in 2019.
Several of Overton’s former teammates posted reactions on social media following the news.
Life ain’t fair man!!! Tell your loved ones you love them cause you never know 💔😭 Long live Dre🕊️
— Amari Rodgers3️⃣ (@arodgers_3) September 7, 2024
Cincinnati Bengals and former Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins wrote on his Instagram Story, “Brotha I miss you already man. Love you 5L. My heart is hurting so bad right now.”
