According to announcements from both universities on Monday, college football star Jaden Hullaby, who previously played with both New Mexico and Texas, is dead at just 21 years old. Hullaby was last seen in Dallas before he went missing.
One of his relatives took to social media on Sunday to announce that Hullaby was missing since Friday and that no one was able to “track any of his devices.” Then, though no cause of death was announced, both New Mexico and Texas posted condolence messages about his death on Twitter on Monday.
Texas released a statement by coach Steve Sarkisian. He said, “It’s such devastating and tragic news to hear of Jaden’s passing. He was a great person and someone we all enjoyed being around, coaching and spending time with. All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates, and we want to send our deepest condolences to them in such a difficult time.” Texas posted a picture of that statement with the caption, “Our deepest sympathy goes out to the loved ones of Jaden Hullaby.”
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the loved ones of Jaden Hullaby. pic.twitter.com/oK12r74e2l
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) May 22, 2023
New Mexico football tweeted “The Lobo family is saddened to learn of the passing of former RB/TE Jaden Hullaby. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jaden’s family and all who knew him.”
The Lobo family is saddened to learn of the passing of former RB/TE Jaden Hullaby. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jaden’s family and all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/UX9frCAo19
— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) May 22, 2023
Commenting on Texas’ post, one commenter said, “Such a shame to lose someone so young. Active engagement with our fellow human beings is so much better than passive wishes, prayers or just ignoring them. Reach out and get to know someone new today even if it is only a little. Caring relationships matter.”
Another said, “RIP Jaden. Condolences to Jaden’s family, friends and his UT family. So sad to hear especially with someone so young. Boomer Sooner young man.”
Jaden’s brother, Lando Hullaby, took to Twitter to post about Jaden’s passing as well, saying, “Forever living through you big brudda I love you so much and I got you and the family forever I swear get your rest King 🕊️💔 LLJAY”
“Jaden Hullaby was a very special person,” Jaden’s family told CBS News Texas. “He had a strong personality and brought so much joy to a room with his big smile. He was a good loyal loving brother to his younger brother Landon Hullaby and his small circle of friends. He was the friend you knew you could count on in time of need.”
The Daily Caller, reporting on Hullaby’s football career and why he played for both the Texas Longhorns and the New Mexico Lobos, said:
Hullaby’s most recent time in college football was in the 2022 season with the New Mexico Lobos, where he suited up as both a tight end and running back. In 2020, he was recruited to Texas, showing up in two games for the Longhorns that season, and was then redshirted in 2021 before transferring from the school.
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