On the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, a devastating ATV accident in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, left former Ohio State and Penn State wide receiver Julian Fleming seriously injured and claimed the life of his girlfriend, Alyssa Boyd. The Pennsylvania State Police reported that the crash occurred around 8:13 p.m. on Painter Lick Lane in Columbia Township when the Yamaha ATV, driven by Fleming, collided with a deer that unexpectedly darted into the roadway. Neither Fleming nor Boyd was wearing safety equipment, a factor that likely exacerbated the severity of the incident. This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the communities of Elysburg and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and the broader college football world, as fans and former teammates mourn the loss and pray for Fleming’s recovery.
Julian Fleming, a 24-year-old Elysburg native, was a standout athlete who rose to prominence as one of the nation’s top high school football recruits at Southern Columbia High School. As a five-star recruit in 2020, he signed with Ohio State University, where he played for four seasons, amassing 79 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2024, seeking to be closer to home and his loved ones, Fleming transferred to Penn State University for his final year of eligibility. There, he contributed 14 receptions for 176 yards and a touchdown, earning praise from head coach James Franklin for his maturity and work ethic, which elevated the Nittany Lions’ receivers room. After his college career, Fleming signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in April 2025 but was released after failing a physical due to pre-existing hip and back injuries. Reports indicated interest from other NFL teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens, offering hope for his professional aspirations.
The accident occurred when a deer, described in police reports as “recently deceased” at the scene, collided with the ATV, causing catastrophic consequences. Fleming, driving a 2024 Yamaha YFM70RSBRL, sustained suspected serious injuries and was rushed to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital. Tragically, Alyssa Boyd, a 23-year-old from Bloomsburg, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pennsylvania State Police, assisted by Guthrie EMS, Troy Fire Department, and Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialists, are continuing to investigate the crash. The absence of safety equipment, such as helmets or protective gear, was noted as a critical factor, underscoring the importance of safety precautions during recreational vehicle use.
Alyssa Boyd, identified as Fleming’s girlfriend, was a significant presence in his life, and her loss has deeply affected those who knew her. While little has been publicly shared about Boyd’s background, Fleming’s decision to transfer to Penn State was partly motivated by his desire to be closer to loved ones, suggesting a deep personal connection. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and support, with social media posts and statements from former teammates and fans expressing condolences for Boyd’s family and prayers for Fleming’s recovery.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the dangers associated with recreational activities like ATV riding, particularly when safety measures are not observed. The football community, from Ohio State to Penn State, continues to rally around Fleming, hoping for his physical and emotional healing in the wake of this profound loss.
