Eric Boggs
Former Ohio State wide receiver Julian Fleming, a once-promising star in scarlet and gray, is recovering from serious injuries following a tragic ATV accident that claimed the life of his girlfriend, Alyssa Boyd. The crash occurred Friday evening, May 23, in Columbia Township, Pennsylvania, when Fleming, 24, collided with a deer while driving a 2024 Yamaha ATV. Neither he nor Boyd, 23, was wearing safety equipment, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The impact of the crash was devastating. Fleming sustained serious injuries and was transported to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital. Boyd, a Pennsylvania native and University of Alabama student, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials located a recently deceased deer at the crash site, which they confirmed was consistent with the damage sustained by the ATV. The investigation into the accident remains ongoing.
Fleming’s journey has been closely followed by Buckeye Nation ever since he arrived in Columbus as a five-star recruit out of Southern Columbia Area High School. During his four years at Ohio State, he appeared in 38 games, catching 80 passes for 990 yards and seven touchdowns. Though he never fully reached his superstar ceiling in Columbus due to injuries and depth in the wide receiver room, he remained a respected presence on the team and a contributor throughout his career.
Seeking a fresh start, Fleming transferred to Penn State for his final season of eligibility, where he played in all 16 games for the Nittany Lions. He finished with 14 receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown. While the numbers may not have told the full story of his impact, his leadership and resilience were noted by teammates and coaches alike.
Fleming’s collegiate career concluded in 2025, and though he went undrafted in April’s NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers expressed immediate interest and extended him an offer as an undrafted free agent. That opportunity, however, was revoked after Fleming failed a physical due to concerns about his hip and back—injuries that may now prove even more significant in light of the recent accident.
Despite that setback, Fleming remained in professional conversations, reportedly drawing interest from multiple NFL teams including the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders, who had discussed potential minicamp invitations with the wide receiver prior to the crash.
The loss of Alyssa Boyd has sent waves of grief through both the Penn State and Ohio State communities. Her final social media posts were filled with pride and support for Fleming, including heartfelt photos and captions marking the end of his college football journey. “Can’t wait to see what’s next in your journey,” she wrote—words that now echo with painful poignancy.
Buckeye fans remember Julian Fleming not just for his athletic ability, but for his perseverance through adversity. As he begins the long road to physical and emotional recovery, the thoughts and prayers of Ohio State supporters are with him and the family of Alyssa Boyd during this incredibly difficult time.
