Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Julian Fleming (3) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Former Penn State WR Julian Fleming Involved in Tragic ATV Accident

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Bjorn Anderson | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 5:15 PM ET

Former Penn State wide receiver Julian Fleming, once a top high school recruit and recent NFL hopeful, has been involved in a devastating ATV accident that left one dead and another seriously injured.

Heartbreaking: Ohio State star and former Penn State WR Julian Fleming’s girlfriend, Alyssa Boyd, tragically died in an ATV accident.

Fleming was seriously injured in the accident.

Boyd was only 23 years old.

Tragic. Thoughts and prayers go out to both families pic.twitter.com/xStax4yHiS

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 25, 2025

Julian Fleming’s History

Fleming, who originally played for Ohio State before transferring to Penn State for his final collegiate season, had recently signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. Instead of starting out with the Packers, his journey with the NFL was quickly stopped by failing the required physical due to old hip and back pain. In early 2025, it was thought that other teams, such as the 49ers, Ravens, and Commanders, were tracking his progress, which meant another possibly to play in the NFL.

Now, that chance is at risk after a terrible accident occurred this weekend.

State Police said that Julian Fleming, who was driving an ATV, was not wearing any safety gear when a deer unexpectedly jumped into the roadway, resulting in a major collision. Both Fleming and Alyssa Boyd went without helmets or other protective gear. The crash ended in the death of both Boyd and the deer. Because his injuries were serious, Fleming went to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital for medical care.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.

It made this already difficult year even worse for Julian Fleming. He was once considered the top wide receiver among high school recruits in 2020, but has not fulfilled his potential because of injuries. Yet, a lot of people believed a change in the NFL could give him a new opportunity to turn his life around.

Now, that story has been put on hold—and overshadowed by the loss of a life.

The football world offers condolences to the family and friends of Alyssa Boyd and hopes for a full recovery for Fleming, even as serious questions linger about his future—both on and off the field.