Diondre Overton, a wide receiver who was a part of two national title-winning Clemson teams, was shot and killed during an early Saturday morning shooting in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Guilford County Sheriff's Office announced.
Overton was 26 years old.
According to a GCSO press release, deputies responded to a noise disturbance call at 2:30 a.m. ET. As they were en route they were informed that a shooting had taken place. Overton was identified after they arrived and he was pronounced dead at the scene after receiving immediate medical aid.
Police are investigating and say that they believe this incident is isolated.
“Clemson Football and the entire Clemson Family mourns the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” read a statement from the football team posted on X on Saturday.
Clemson Football and the entire Clemson Family mourns the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.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 came that same season during a win over Boston College when he posted 119 receiving yards on three catches and three touchdowns.
Overton also served as a team captain and was an Academic All-ACC his senior season.
Emotional stuff: During Tiger Walk just 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 pic.twitter.com/Be0K7vfzL7
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 7, 2024
Following his collegiate career, Overton played with the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Vienna Vikings of the Austrian Football League, the USFL's Philadelphia Stars and Pittsburgh Maulers, and the UFL's Memphis Showboats.
Before arriving at Clemson, Overton played basketball and football at Walter Hines Page Senior High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. He earned his sports communication degree in 2019.
Several of Overton's former teammates posted reactions on social media following the news.
BIGPLAYDRE .. I love you bro. Fly High Twin????????
— Xavier Thomas (@atxlete) September 7, 2024
Life ain’t fair man!!! Please tell your loved ones you love them cause you truly 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. I love you 5L. I’m hurtin bad bout this right now."
