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Ty Jordan Memorial Scholarship created in honor of late Utah running back

Jordan died on Christmas night, the victim of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A small memorial in honor of Utah running back Ty Jordan, who died in a reported accidental gunshot wound on Christmas night, takes shape outside the Spence and Cleone Eccles Football Center on the University of Utah campus on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020.

  | Jan. 5, 2021, 6:41 p.m.
| Updated: 6:59 p.m.

The University of Utah athletic department on Tuesday morning announced the Ty Jordan Memorial Scholarship.

Named in honor of the late Utes running back, who died on Christmas night from an apparent accident, a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the The Ty Jordan Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a “student-athlete in the football program who exemplifies the inspiring qualities that Jordan displayed through his work ethic, positivity and perseverance through adversity.”

Per the athletic department, the first gift to the scholarship fund is being made by Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham and his wife, Jamie, in the amount of $100,000. Anyone wishing to donate to the Ty JordanMemorial Scholarship may do so through a secure online portal accessible at this link.

Jordan’s viewing was scheduled for Tuesday at Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas, with the funeral set for Wednesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

In five games during a shortened 2020 Pac-12 season, Jordan rushed for 597 yards and six touchdowns on his way to being named Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, plus Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year by the Associated Press.

All six of Jordan’s touchdowns and 468 of his rushing yards came over the final three games, all Utes wins, as they finished 3-2.