Cause of death revealed after ex-Clemson college football star Diondre Overton found dead at age 26 – as his former team pay tribute

Police have announced that former college football star Diondre Overton was shot dead in the early hours of Saturday morning in North Carolina.

Overton played wide receiver for the team from 2016 to 2019 and won two national championships, catching 52 career passes for 777 yards.

The Guildford County Sheriff’s Office posted a statement on Saturday afternoon which said: ‘Sheriff Danny H. Rogers reports that on September 7, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Deputies responded to a call regarding a loud party and noise disturbance at 3205 Spring Mill Road, Greensboro, NC 27406. 

‘As they made their way to the scene, Deputies received updated information indicating that a shooting had occurred at the location. 

Upon arrival, Deputies located the shooting victim and identified him as 26-year-old Diondre Overton. Despite immediate medical aid, Mr. Overton was pronounced deceased at the scene.’

Tributes are pouring in for Diondre Overton after his tragic death at the age of just 26

Overton won two national championships while playing wide receiver for Clemson

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney laid flowers at Overton’s plaque by the stadium

‘The investigation suggests that this incident is isolated. It remains an active and ongoing homicide investigation.

‘Anyone who has information or who attended the party is encouraged to contact Detective J. Robertson at 336-641-5969. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous should contact Guilford County Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000.’

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney laid flowers at Overton’s plaque by the stadium on Saturday evening om tribute to the 26-year-old. 

The football team announced the tragic news on Saturday ahead of their game against Appalachian State, writing: ‘Clemson Football and the entire Clemson Family mourns the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.’

In the wake of his death, several of his former teammates took to social media to share tributes to their friend.

‘Life ain’t fair man,’ Amari Rodgers wrote, adding: ‘Please tell your loved ones you love them cause you truly never know. Long live Dre.’

Tee Higgins, now a star wide receiver for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, wrote: ‘Brotha I miss you already man. I love you 5L. I’m hurtin bad bout this right now.’ 

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Xavier Thomas wrote on his former teammate’s Instagram: ‘I love you to death man. Doing it all for you dawg. Fly high.’

Hours before his death, Overton shared a message to his 23,000 Instagram followers

Overton (right) poses for a media photoshoot during his time with the Memphis Showboats

Less than 24 hours before his death, Overton had posted a cryptic message on his Instagram Stories, sharing a quote that reads: ‘God is working it out. Don’t worry.’ 

He also wished a friend – Lennon – happy birthday, which she later reposted, adding: ‘There’s no way this was our last message.’

Overton was undrafted after leaving Clemson but went on to sign for various teams in the Canadian Football League and United States Football League.

He was first picked up by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats but didn’t play a game for them, before he then headed to Europe to sign for the Vienna Vikings.

In 2022, he headed back to America and was drafted by the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars, before moving on to the Pittsburgh Maulers.

In January of this year, he was selected by the Memphis Showboats.