Former four-star recruit and Vanderbilt University basketball standout Dai-Jon Parker died Thursday in a drowning accident in Indiana.
Parker, 22, was being pulled behind a boat on an inner tube on a lake near Bloomington, Ind.. The boat hit a wake or a wave, and Parker and another man, who were not wearing life vests, were thrown from the boat.
The other man survived, but police said Parker was not a good swimmer.
The 22-year-old Dai-Jon Parker, of Lawrenceville, Ga., played three season at Vanderbilt before transferring to the University of Indianapolis last season.
He is originally from Baton Rouge, La.
Authorities are investigating whether alcohol was involved, Sports Illustrated reported, quoting Department of Natural Resources officials there.
Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings issued a statement following the news:
“"We are extremely saddened with the news of Dai-Jon's death," said Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings. "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."
Parker's high school coach, David Boyd, posted on Twitter:
