Former Penn State Football Player, 24, Seriously Injured in Freak ATV Accident That Killed His Girlfriend
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Julian Fleming seriously injured in ATV crash that killed girlfriend Alyssa Boyd after deer collided with their vehicle in Pennsylvania.
Julian Fleming, a 24-year-old former Penn State wide receiver, was seriously injured in a tragic ATV accident on Friday, May 23, that claimed the life of his girlfriend, 23-year-old Alyssa Boyd.
The crash occurred around 8:13 p.m. in Columbia Township, Pennsylvania, when a deer suddenly leapt into the path of Fleming’s 2024 Yamaha ATV, according to an official crash report. Boyd, riding as a passenger, suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Fleming sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital but has since been released, according to 247 Sports.
Authorities confirmed that neither Fleming nor Boyd was wearing safety gear during the ride. A deer was found dead at the scene, consistent with the damage observed on the ATV. The crash remains under investigation.
Boyd, a Pennsylvania native and University of Alabama student, had frequently shared photos of her and Fleming on social media. Her final Instagram post, shared in November 2024, featured the couple smiling on a football field. “Proud of you 3🤍,” she captioned the post, referencing Fleming’s jersey number during his final college football season. Her VSCO and Instagram Stories also included tributes to Fleming’s football journey.
Fleming, also from Pennsylvania, rose to football prominence at Southern Columbia Area High School before beginning his college career at Ohio State. He later transferred to Penn State, where he completed his fifth and final season with the Nittany Lions earlier this year.
Despite going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Fleming drew interest from the Green Bay Packers, who were finalizing a contract with him earlier this month. However, the team backed out after he failed a physical examination due to concerns about hip and back injuries, according to The News-Item.
Since then, other NFL teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders, have reportedly expressed interest in Fleming and have held discussions about inviting him to their minicamps.
The tragic accident has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a pivotal moment in Fleming’s life and career. While he faces a long road to recovery, those close to the couple remember Boyd’s unwavering support and their shared hopes for the future.
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