Clemson mourns the passing of former wide receiver Diondre Overton

CLEMSON, S.C. (WCBD) – Diondre Overton, a former wide receiver for the Clemson Tigers and key contributor to the team’s national championships in 2016 and 2018, has passed away at the age of 26.

According to the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, Overton was fatally shot at a party in Greensboro, N.C., early Saturday morning.

A press release from Sheriff Danny H. Rogers stated that deputies responded to a noise disturbance at 3205 Spring Mill Road around 2:30 a.m. on September 7. While en route, they were informed that a shooting had occurred at the scene.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered 26-year-old Overton suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities believe the incident to be isolated and are continuing their homicide investigation.

The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office has asked anyone with information or who attended the party to contact Detective J. Robertson at 336-641-5969. Anonymous tips can be provided to Guilford County Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000.

Originally from Greensboro, N.C., Overton joined Clemson out of Walter Hines Page High School. He graduated with a degree in sports communication from Clemson in 2019.

Overton played more than 1,000 snaps during his Clemson career from 2016 to 2019, accumulating 52 receptions for 777 yards and seven touchdowns over 51 games, with five starts.

Following his college career, he went on to play professionally in the USFL, where he recorded 42 catches for 533 yards and five touchdowns with the Philadelphia Stars during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

A two-time national champion and four-time ACC champion, Overton made significant contributions to Clemson’s success, including catching a touchdown pass in each of the first two games of the 2018 national championship season. His performance included a pivotal touchdown in Clemson’s 28-26 victory at Texas A&M.

In his senior year, Overton posted a career-high 22 receptions for 352 yards and three touchdowns. He also earned the Leather Helmet Award as the Most Valuable Player of the Clemson/Boston College game, where he tallied 119 yards and three touchdowns on three receptions.

The Clemson community is mourning the loss of Overton, remembering him for both his contributions on the field and the lasting impact he made off it. Teammates, coaches, and fans will cherish his legacy as a Tiger.

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