A tragic accident in Pennsylvania has left the football world shaken, as former Ohio State and Penn State wide receiver Julian Fleming sustained serious injuries in an ATV crash that claimed the life of another passenger.
According to a report released by the Pennsylvania State Police, the accident occurred on Friday night, May 24, in Columbia Township, located in Bradford County. The incident happened around 8:13 p.m. when a deer unexpectedly leapt into the path of the ATV — a Yamaha model — causing a collision that sent the vehicle out of control. The crash resulted in the immediate death of a passenger, identified as Alyssa Boyd, a resident of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Boyd was pronounced dead at the scene. Fleming, who was operating the ATV, suffered what authorities described as “suspected serious injuries” and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
The Pennsylvania State Police have stated that the crash remains under active investigation as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Julian Fleming, 23, was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school and began his college football career at Ohio State University. A former five-star recruit, Fleming entered the Buckeyes’ program with high expectations and showed flashes of potential throughout his four seasons in Columbus. Over his time at Ohio State, he appeared in numerous games but dealt with injuries that hindered his consistency and playing time.
Following the 2023 season, Fleming transferred to Penn State University for his final year of eligibility. In the 2024 season with the Nittany Lions, he played in all 16 games, recording 14 receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown. Though his individual numbers were modest, he was part of a Penn State team that made a deep run in the season, advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Over the course of his five-year collegiate career, which spanned both Ohio State and Penn State, Fleming accumulated a total of 93 receptions for 1,139 yards and eight touchdowns in 54 games. His contributions were often unheralded but valuable, especially in depth roles and key moments.
After completing his collegiate career, Fleming entered the 2025 NFL Draft. Though he went undrafted, he was set to begin his professional career after agreeing to terms with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. However, his journey to the NFL hit a setback earlier this month when he failed his physical with the Packers due to existing hip and back injuries, making him temporarily ineligible to join the team.
This devastating ATV crash adds another tragic layer to Fleming’s already challenging offseason. The loss of Alyssa Boyd and the serious injuries sustained by Fleming have left many in mourning and calling for thoughts and prayers for both families affected.
As the investigation continues, updates on Fleming’s condition are expected in the coming days. Fans and members of the college football community have taken to social media to express their support and condolences.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change and how precious each moment is — both on and off the field.