A Nigerian born Binghamton University basketball player, Calistus Anyichie has died after drowning at Buttermilk Falls State Park near Ithaca, New York, it has emerged.
According to a statement from the university, the 19-year-old entering his sophomore year, drowned on Sunday. Anyichie was a member of the men’s basketball team and was majoring in political science.
“A talented young person has been tragically taken from us,” said President Harvey Stenger. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our community. We will do all that we can to be there for his family, for the team and everyone who knew Calistus.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Calistus,” Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott, said. “Calistus was a bright and engaging young man with an infectious smile. He loved his academic studies at Binghamton and embodied the exceptional spirit of being a student-athlete at our University. This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, teammates and fellow student-athletes.” The University said on its website.
Anyichie’s body was found at the base of a 15-foot bank, after crews responded to the drowning at the 300 block of West King Road at upper Buttermilk Falls State Park at around 5 p.m.
He had attended St. Mary-Assumption High School, where he played basketball for three years, was the team captain and was also selected all-conference as a senior.
“There are no words. There is no blueprint for how to deal with such a painful loss,” Tommy Dempsey, head coach of the Binghamton University men’s basketball team, said in a statement. “We all loved Calistus so much. He was such a special young man. We are devastated.”
It was also gathered that the Nigerian NBA prospect averaged 1.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 9.1 minutes per game last season at Binghamton. He was National Honor Society member who was recognized as one of the state’s top scholar-athletes by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Association. He loved to read and had career aspirations to become a diplomat.
