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22 year old former Vanderbilt guard Dai-Jon Parker dies in drowning accident

David 20569 May 29, 2015

Former Vanderbilt guard Dai-Jon Parker, who played last season at the University of Indianapolis, died Thursday from a drowning accident.  The 22 year old fell off an inner tube being pulled by a pontoon boat when the tube hit a large wave. Police searched for Parker for 2 hours before finding his body at the bottom of a 11 foot deep lake. He reportedly wasn't wearing a life jacket

"The entire University of Indianapolis community mourns the loss of Dai-Jon Parker, a senior student-athlete with a vibrant personality who had a great future ahead," the school said in a statement. "This is a tragic situation for everyone involved, and UIndy is offering counseling and support to the people closest to him. Please keep Dai-Jon's family, friends and teammates in your thoughts and prayers."

Vanderbilt's head coach Kevin Stallings also released a statement.

"We are extremely saddened with the news of Dai-Jon's death," Stallings said. "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."