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Student Identified After Possibly Drowning in Flooding Near UTA Campus

The medical examiner identified the man as 23-year-old Alan Amaya

Officials have identified the man who drowned near the University of Texas at Arlington campus Friday night.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner identified the man Sunday as 23-year-old Alan Amaya. His body was recovered in a creek at about 1:55 a.m. Saturday.

It is believed that Amaya was swept away by heavy flowing flood water due to the heavy rain.

A witness reported seeing Amaya floating in the water under the Greek Row bridge on campus.

The university administration confirmed that Amaya was a student at UTA. 

"On behalf of the entire UTA Maverick family of students, faculty, staff and alumni, I express our heartfelt condolences to Alan's parents, family and friends. The UTA staff have been in close contact with Alan's family to assist them in any manner that we can during this most difficult time. They and Alan's friends are in our thoughts and prayers," said UTA President Vistasp M. Karbhari. "At times like this I encourage all of us to come together to support each other."

According to the school, Amaya was a doctoral student of mathematics and had served as a graduate assistant in mathematics since fall 2017. 

Amaya was also involved in intramural sports.

"He loved the soccer ball… always had a soccer ball on his feet it seemed," said Willy Macha, a friend of Amaya.

Macha said that Amaya also helped lead worship at church, played guitar and loved to be around his friends.

"He was so loving and caring. He made you feel like the most important person at all times," Macha said.

Student affairs has made counseling services available that can also be requested through UTA Counseling and Psychological Services. Counseling services for faculty and staff are available through the human resources' employee assistance program.

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