Pac-12, Utah mourn loss of defensive back Aaron Lowe

Utah Utes defensive back Aaron Lowe was unfortunately shot and killed early Sunday morning. News originally broke of a deadly shooting, but Salt Lake City Police later confirmed that Lowe was the victim that passed away in the shooting. The Pac-12 now joins Utah in the loss of Lowe.

The conference released a statement on Twitter on Sunday.

“We join our Utah family in sharing our sincere sadness and condolences for the passing of Aaron Lowe,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with the Lowe family and friends, Utah football program and all those who knew Aaron, as well as with the family and loved ones of the other individual who was harmed in this tragic incident.”

Rivals’ Alex Markham was among the first to confirm Lowe as the victim of the shooting.

“The posts on (Ja’Quinden) Jackson’s Instagram were enough confirmation, but I received a call from a source close to the program this morning,” Markham tweeted. “Rest in Peace. May your memory be eternal, Aaron Lowe.”

Lowe was in his third season with Utah’s football program. He debuted as a freshman in 2019 and played in 19 games through three seasons, all on special teams.

Lowe had a special connection with late Utah running back Ty Jordan

Last December, Utah running back Ty Jordan was also tragically shot and killed. Following Jordan’s passing, Utah created the Ty Jordan scholarship in remembrance of Jordan. Lowe was the first recipient of the scholarship.

Jordan and Lowe were high school teammates and best friends. After Jordan’s passing, Lowe switched his jersey number from No. 2 to No. 22.

“Ty made everyone around him better,” Lowe said when Utah announced that he would receive the first Ty Jordan scholarship. “He made me better. My friendship with Ty means a lot because he was always pushing me to be my best. He never let me settle for less. I want to make sure his legacy lives on through me.”

Lowe was a big reason that Jordan even made it to campus at Utah. Jordan at one point decommitted, but Lowe convinced him to eventually end up at Utah.

The Utes are 2-2 on the season. They defeated Washington State on Saturday.