Tragedy Strikes Former Penn State and Ohio State WR Julian Fleming in Fatal ATV Crash
In a devastating turn of events, Julian Fleming, a 24-year-old former wide receiver for both Penn State and Ohio State, was seriously injured in a tragic ATV accident that claimed the life of his girlfriend, 23-year-old Alyssa Boyd. The incident occurred on May 23, 2025, in rural Columbia Township, Pennsylvania.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Fleming and Boyd were riding a 2024 Yamaha ATV when a deer unexpectedly crossed their path. Fleming swerved to avoid the animal, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash. Neither Fleming nor Boyd was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, which may have contributed to the severity of their injuries .
Boyd, a University of Alabama graduate, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Fleming, who was driving the ATV, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital. He has since been released from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries .
Fleming’s football journey began as a highly touted recruit from Southern Columbia High School, where he was named the 2019 Pennsylvania Player of the Year. He played 38 games for Ohio State before transferring to Penn State, where injuries limited his play. In 2024, he signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent, but the contract was revoked after he failed a physical exam just three weeks prior to the crash .
The football community has expressed an outpouring of support for Fleming during this difficult time. New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter, who played with Fleming at Penn State, shared his condolences on social media, urging Fleming to “stay strong” .
As the investigation into the accident continues, authorities have recovered the deer’s body and are examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. The loss of Alyssa Boyd has left a profound impact on her family, friends, and the broader community. Her family has declined to comment publicly on the tragedy at this time.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of safety precautions when operating vehicles, especially in rural areas where wildlife encounters are more common. The Fleming and Boyd families, along with their extended communities, continue to grieve this heartbreaking loss.
