Friday morning it was reported that former Vanderbilt guard Dai-Jon Parker, who played this past season at the University of Indianapolis, passed away at the age of 22 on Thursday. Parker was one of two men on an inner tube that was being pulled by a pontoon boat at the Morse Reservoir in Indiana, with a large wave knocking both off.
According to Fox 59 in Indianapolis, Parker did not resurface and his body was found by authorities hours later. Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings released a statement on the passing of Parker Friday morning.
“We are extremely saddened with the news of Dai-Jon’s death,” Stallings said in the release. “Everyone who watched him play basketball knew what kind of athlete he was. But, to those of us who knew him and loved him, he was as good and happy of a person as you would ever meet. He always had a smile on his face and I will always remember him for that smile and the positive spirit he had.
“We send our deepest condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and others who were lucky enough to have met him. The Vanderbilt basketball family will miss him.”
Word of Parker’s passing spread through social media Thursday night, with friends, former teammates and current Vanderbilt players who were recruits during Parker’s time with the program among those who paid tribute to their friend.
RIP to Dai Jon Parker, man. Such a good dude. My prayers are with his family. The world lost a great guy today.
— Riley LaChance (@LaChance_13) May 29, 2015
RIP to my dude Dai'jon Parker! He was one of the friendliest and welcoming people I've ever met and guided me to the best college in America
— Wade Baldwin IV (@The_Fourth_Wade) May 29, 2015
He was a kid that could light up a room by his simple presence and was all about bringing others up and others before him! God bless him🙏🏽
— Wade Baldwin IV (@The_Fourth_Wade) May 29, 2015
140 characters just isn't enough for a guy like Dai-Jon. Life isn't fair but His plan is greater. John 13:7 pic.twitter.com/g6NBlXwUS5
— SwatkinsVU (@SwatkinsVU) May 29, 2015
Dai dai, Rest In Peace 🙏☝️
— James Siakam (@Bamba35_) May 29, 2015
Happiest guy I've ever known. You'll always be my teammate, friend, and brother. Miss you young dai pic.twitter.com/IUpkjHTOzu
— Joshua Henderson (@jhendo40) May 29, 2015
Very shocked and deeply saddened. Prayers out to the family of Dai-Jon Parker. #RIP my brother.
— Mr. Julian Terrell (@JTerrell33) May 29, 2015
The entire UIndy community mourns the loss of Dai-Jon Parker. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dai-Jon’s family, friends and teammates.
— University of Indianapolis (@uindy) May 29, 2015