Ex-Vanderbilt basketball player dies in boating accident

Former Vanderbilt guard Dai-Jon Parker died Thursday after drowning while tubing in Indiana. He was 22 years old.

The Indianapolis Star reported that a body was found at the bottom of the Morse Reservoir on Thursday night after witnesses saw a man thrown from an inter-tube when he hit a wave while being pulled behind a boat. The man was not wearing a life jacket, according to the report.

Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings confirmed the news Friday morning.

“We are extremely saddened with the news of Dai-Jon’s death,” Stallings said in a statement. “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.”

Parker, a Baton Rouge, La., native, played three seasons at Vanderbilt. He started 26 games during his junior season in 2013-14.

Parker transferred to Division II University of Indianapolis for his senior season. He started all 31 games for Indianapolis last season, averaging 9.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.

“The entire University of Indianapolis community mourns the loss of Dai-Jon Parker, a senior student-athlete with a vibrant personality who had a great future ahead,” the school said in a statement. “This is a tragic situation for everyone involved and UIndy is offering counseling and support to the people closest to him. Please keep Dai-Jon’s family, friends and teammates in your thoughts and prayers.”