By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | May 25, 2025 | Photo courtesy Barry Reeger
Columbia Township, PA – A heartbreaking tragedy has rocked the local and statewide sports community, as former Southern Columbia football legend and Ohio State/Penn State wide receiver Julian Fleming was involved in a fatal ATV accident Saturday night in Columbia Township, Bradford County.
According to a report from the Pennsylvania State Police, the accident occurred when a deer entered the roadway, leading Fleming—who was operating the ATV—to collide with the animal. Neither Fleming nor his passenger, 23-year-old Alyssa Boyd of Bloomsberg a Central Columbia grad, were wearing protective equipment at the time of the crash.
Boyd was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Fleming sustained a suspected serious injury and was transported to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital for treatment. The deer was also killed in the impact.
The incident remains under investigation by state police.
Fleming, a household name in Pennsylvania high school football history and one of the nation’s most sought-after recruits from powerhouse Southern Columbia, recently signed with the Green Bay Packers as an UDFA after collegiate stops at Ohio State and Penn State. A failed physical has stalled his professional football career.
The SportzWire team joins the entire community in mourning this devastating loss. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Alyssa Boyd. We also extend our heartfelt support to Julian Fleming, wishing him strength and healing in the days ahead.
This is a developing story. For more information, view the official report from Pennsylvania State Police: