Dion Stutts, a Batesville teen that recently committed to play football at the University of Arkansas, has passed away.
Panola County Sheriff Shane Phelps released that the 18-year-old Memphis University School student died from an ATV accident on Tuesday.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of rising senior Dion Stutts,” Memphis University School stated on social media. “Counselors are available throughout the day in Sue Hyde gym to provide support in processing this loss. Senior Counselor Candy Harris invites boys to come talk and share their memories.”
Since the seventh grade, Stutts would travel over an hour from his family’s cattle farm west of Oxford to attend Memphis University School every day.
The high schooler, who was a three-star defensive lineman, committed to play football with the Arkansas Razorbacks in March after receiving offers from Ole Miss, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Louisville, and others.
“We are heartbroken over the passing of Dion Stutts. He was a tremendous young man with a bright future ahead of him,” the University of Arkansas said. “We were excited to add him to our program as he was to be a Razorback. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother, Shante, and father, Dino, along with his entire family as they deal with this loss.”
Stutts was ranked the No. 82 defensive lineman and No. 27 player in Tennessee, according to 247Sports.