An ATV tragedy claimed the life of a former Ohio State Buckeyes five-star recruit who completed his college career with a Big Ten opponent.

On May 23, 2025, a tragic accident in Columbia Township, Pennsylvania, claimed the life of Alyssa Boyd and left her boyfriend, Julian Fleming—a former five-star recruit and standout wide receiver for Ohio State and Penn State—seriously injured. The couple was riding a Yamaha all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when they collided with a deer, causing the vehicle to veer off the road. Neither was wearing a helmet at the time. Boyd, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Fleming, 24, was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Born on December 19, 2000, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Julian Fleming quickly rose to prominence as a football prodigy. Attending Southern Columbia Area High School, he set Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) records with 4,442 receiving yards and 62 receiving touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him the title of the nation’s top wide receiver recruit in the 2020 class. (Wikipedia)

Fleming committed to Ohio State University, where he played from 2020 to 2023. Despite battling injuries, he managed to record 80 receptions for 990 yards and seven touchdowns over 38 games. (Wikipedia)

Seeking a fresh start, Fleming transferred to Penn State in January 2024 for his final collegiate season. There, he aimed to leverage his experience and leadership to bolster the Nittany Lions’ receiving corps. Although his on-field statistics were modest, his presence was felt both on and off the field. (current-affairs.org, Onward State)

After completing his college eligibility, Fleming entered the 2025 NFL Draft but went undrafted. He subsequently signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. However, the contract was rescinded after he failed a physical due to lingering hip and back issues. (The Times of India

On the evening of May 23, 2025, Fleming and Boyd were riding a 2024 Yamaha ATV in Columbia Township when a deer suddenly jumped into their path. The collision caused the ATV to veer off the road. Neither was wearing safety equipment at the time. Boyd sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while Fleming was hospitalized with serious injuries. (People.com)

Authorities recovered a deceased deer at the scene, consistent with the damage observed on the ATV. The crash remains under investigation. (People.com)

Alyssa Boyd, 23, was a Pennsylvania native and a student at the University of Alabama. She was known for her vibrant personality and her unwavering support for Fleming’s football career. Her social media posts often highlighted their relationship and her pride in his accomplishments. (the-sun.com, Onward State, People.com)

The accident sent shockwaves through the football community. Abdul Carter, a New York Giants rookie and former Penn State teammate of Fleming, expressed his heartbreak over the incident. (New York Post)

The tragedy also reignited discussions about ATV safety, emphasizing the importance of wearing protective gear and being vigilant of wildlife, especially in rural areas.(The Times of India)

The untimely death of Alyssa Boyd and the serious injuries sustained by Julian Fleming serve as a somber reminder of life’s fragility. Fleming’s journey—from high school stardom to collegiate challenges and professional aspirations—has been marked by resilience and determination. As he recovers from this devastating event, the support from the community and the memories of Boyd will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his healing process.