In Loving Memory of Deng: Help Us Lay Him to Rest

My brother Deng was an extraordinary son, brother, friend, classmate and teammate. Many of you knew him as Lieutenant Deng, but to us, he was the heart of our family. On August 16, 2025, we lost him far too soon.

Deng’s 23rd birthday would have been on August 31st, just a couple of weeks away. He had recently graduated from University of North Dakota in April, where he excelled both on and off the basketball court. His dedication and talent earned him a full-ride scholarship to play at University of Nebraska, Omaha, where he was set to begin his master’s program in the coming weeks.

Deng was goal-oriented, determined, and disciplined. He was a good person. He set his sights high and worked tirelessly to achieve his dreams. But just as important as his goals was his heart, he loved others deeply and genuinely. Basketball wasn’t just his passion, it was also a reflection of his character: the commitment, teamwork, and care he gave on the court mirrored the way he treated his family, friends, and everyone he encountered. To know Deng was to love him, and to cross paths with him was a blessing. He made everyone feel like family.

He had the biggest smile, one that could brighten any room, and a natural gift for cheering people up. Deng leaves behind six siblings: Angelina, Achol, Christina, Ngor, Achan, and Nyanbol, and our devoted parents, Alei and Abele. Though our hearts are broken, our love for him will never fade.

As Scripture reminds us: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). Deng lived these verses every day in his kindness, his joy, his drive, and his love for his family and community. May he rest in God and in love, always.

In honor of Deng’s memory, we are asking for your support so that we may lay him to rest peacefully and lovingly, surrounded by the same warmth and care he always gave to others.

From,

Deng Mayar's Family ❤️