Dion Stutts, a defensive tackle committed to Arkansas football, died on Tuesday in an apparent ATV accident, according to The Commercial Appeal of Memphis. He was 18.
The accident reportedly happened on the Stutts family farm near Batesville, Miss.
A two-sport standout at Memphis University School, Stutts was set to play football for the Razorbacks, but he was also a successful wrestler for the Owls. He committed to Arkansas on March 11, joining the 2024 class.
Rated as a high three-star prospect by all of the recruiting services, Stutts was considered one of the top defensive linemen in the Memphis area after making 30 tackles, including 13 for a loss, as a junior.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Tributes Pouring in for Dion Stutts
More important than what he did on the field, though, was the fact that it seems like Dion Stutts made a positive impact on those around him.
Here is a sampling of some tributes from those who knew him:
“Our hearts are broken for the family. Dion was such a great young man. He had a smile that warmed your heart when you had a chance to be around him. … We’re going to miss that smile, miss that wonderful personality and we’re just praying for his family right now.” — Memphis University School head coach Bobby Alston, via The Commercial Appeal.
“We are heartbroken over the passing of Dion Stutts. He was a tremendous young man with a bright future ahead of him. We were as excited to add him to our program as he was to be a Razorback. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Shante and father Dino along with his entire family as they deal with this loss.” — Arkansas Football
“My heart is aching right now! What a wonderful you man with an amazing spirit! I’m at a loss for words! We love you Dion and you will always be a Razorback! Praying for his family!” — Arkansas defensive line coach Deke Adams
“Great kid, awesome smile, and had a bright future ahead of him. My heart goes out to him and his family.” — Iowa defensive line coach Kelvin Bell
“Dion was such a nice kid. … You would have loved the kid. I mean positive, happy kid and super nice. Very polite and just how you want your son to act and handle himself.” — Otis Kirk, sportswriter for Hogville
“Dion Stutts was a truly special young man who inspired anyone who came in contact with him. God bless his family. Psalm 34:18.” — Richard Davenport, sportswriter at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
“The way Dion Stutts once described himself to me is resonating right now. A country boy who wasn’t afraid to work. Humble, good-hearted, not an ounce (of) pretension. … Just a wonderful, personable, genuine kid.” — John Varlas, sportswriter at the Daily Memphian
“I will always remember competing against Dion not because of his size or great athletic ability, but his humility and humbleness and his drive to win. Gone much too soon. Prayers to his family and community. Heartbreaking.” — Devin Lively, defensive tackle/wrestler at Friendship Christian in Lebanon, Tenn., and Air Force commit
“Such a fantastic young athlete and man of character.” — Official account of Page High School wrestling
Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dion Stutts and the entire MUS community. 🙏💙
— Ryan Silverfield (@RSilverfield) June 14, 2023
I have no words right now. I’m new to MUS and Dion made me feel welcome and I’m just heartbroken right now. I just thank you Lord for the time that I had with him. So I urge whoever reads this to build a relationship with Jesus! Because we don’t know when our time is. LLD🕊️ https://t.co/kdGxAJgAeW
— ⚡️Max“ Cincø”Williams⚡️ (@MaxEllisWill1) June 14, 2023
Incredibly sad.
— William Patteson (@williampatteson) June 14, 2023
Dion was an incredibly humble, personable guy with everyone he was around. A great person on and off the field.
He will be missed by many. https://t.co/EYzUvRHD04
Tremendous young man gone too early 🙏🙏
— Chris Smith (@CSmithScout) June 14, 2023
(All my love & strength thru our Father to the Stutts Family) https://t.co/UBdaoQcrO4
Me and you stayed talking. You told me you wanted to be great I told you we need to push each other you will forever be missed bro 🤞🏾 praying for the family 🙏🏾 https://t.co/wppkh3CyEm
— kavion “k6️⃣” henderson (@yvngkavion) June 14, 2023
Cherish your time with your loved ones because we’re all on Gods timing. Prayers up for Dion’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/MX1Y8PHbjh
— cj brown † † † (@cjbrown2024) June 14, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dion’s family and loved ones. Incredibly sad tonight. He will be missed.
— Danny West (@DannyWest247) June 14, 2023
We are all here for the Stutts family during this time anyway they need us 🙏🙏
— Sam Popper (@SamPopper_) June 14, 2023
I am shocked and saddened by this devastating news. Dion will be missed more than we know. An amazing and genuine guy in every way that we can all learn from
I had just a handful of interactions with Dion, but I’m grateful for each and every one. He had an infectious personality and could make anyone laugh.
— Daniel Black (@danielcblack) June 14, 2023
I send my prayers and good thoughts to his family, friends, classmates, coaches, teachers, and all who loved him. https://t.co/LIqOMBYS4F
I was talking to him two weeks ago outside of football this doesn’t feel real, he always had a smile on his face. We competed against each other but I had the most respect for him. The most genuine, nice, down to earth person I’ve met. Dion was a great dude. Long live 62🕊️. https://t.co/kT70W2T6kf
— Cade Shivers (@CadeShivers) June 14, 2023
There weren’t too many interviews with Dion Stutts available, but here is one:
