Ex-Penn State Football Player’s Girlfriend Dies from Head Injuries in ATV Accident, Coroner Confirms
Alyssa Boyd, the 23-year-old girlfriend of former Penn State football player Julian Fleming, tragically died from severe head injuries sustained in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash on May 23, 2025, in Columbia Township, Bradford County, Pennsylvania. The Bradford County Coroner’s Office confirmed her cause of death was due to blunt force trauma to the head.
The fatal accident occurred when a deer suddenly ran in front of a 2024 Yamaha ATV that Fleming was operating. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the sudden appearance of the deer caused Fleming to lose control of the vehicle, which veered off the road. Neither Fleming nor Boyd was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Boyd was pronounced dead at the scene, while Fleming, 24, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital for treatment.
Julian Fleming, a native of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, rose to national prominence as a five-star recruit out of Southern Columbia High School. He was widely considered the top wide receiver in the country in the 2020 recruiting class. Fleming began his college career at Ohio State, where he played 38 games before transferring to Penn State for the 2024 season. Injuries limited his impact during his final collegiate year.
Following the 2025 NFL Draft, in which he went undrafted, Fleming briefly signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent. However, the deal was later rescinded after Fleming failed a physical due to lingering hip and back issues.
Boyd, a University of Alabama graduate, had been a supportive presence in Fleming’s life. Their relationship was evident across social media, where Boyd frequently posted messages of encouragement and shared proud moments from Fleming’s football journey. Her sudden death has sparked an outpouring of condolences from the college football community. Former teammates, fans, and friends have taken to social media to express their grief and support for Fleming during his recovery.
The Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to investigate the crash. Authorities confirmed they recovered the body of the deer involved in the incident. The loss of Alyssa Boyd has sent shockwaves through both her local community and the wider sports world, leaving family, friends, and fans heartbroken by a tragedy that has cut short a young life full of promise.