SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah head football coach Kyle Whittingham and Athletics Director Mark Harlan have issued statements following the passing of Aaron Lowe.

Aaron Lowe was shot and killed early Sunday morning at a Sugarhouse party. According to police, another gunshot victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Lowe was the first recipient of the Ty Jordan Memorial Scholarship and switched his number from 2 to 22 during the offseason to honor the life of his childhood friend.

Before the BYU game, the Cougars ran out of their tunnel with a “LLTJ” flag. When Utah was running out of their tunnel, former Ute Samson Nacua gave the flag to quarterback and captain Cam Rising, who gave the flag to Aaron Lowe.

Lowe signed with Utah in 2019 as a three-star recruit out of West Mesquite High School. He played in 11 games on special teams as a freshman. During the COVID-19 shortened season, Lowe played in all five games on special teams in 2020.

Statements from Kyle Whittingham and Mark Harlan on the passing of Aaron Lowe.#RIP #LLAL @kslsports pic.twitter.com/KT52AKz52c

— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) September 26, 2021

Kyle Whittingham released the following statement on Sunday morning:

“We are devastated to hear about the passing of Aaron Lowe,” Whittingham said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Aaron’s family and friends, along with the other individual who was harmed in this tragic incident. Aaron was a great teammate, friend, brother and son and was loved by anyone who crossed paths with him. He will be deeply missed.”

Mark Harlan issued the following statement with coach Whittingham:

“We are devastated by the loss of Aaron Lowe earlier this morning,” Harlan said in a statement. “Aaron was a terrific young man, a leader on our football team, a rock of resiliency and courage. Our prayers are with Aaron’s family, friends, teammates and all who knew and loved him. We also express our deepest concern for the other individual who has been hospitalized as a result of this tragic incident. We have been in communication with Aaron’s family and we are providing support to them, as well as to the student-athletes, coaches and staff in all of our athletics programs, and our focus will remain on them.”

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.