University of Dayton announces death of Jayda Grant, daughter of basketball HC Anthony Grant

DAYTON — Jayda Grant, the daughter of University of Dayton head basketball coach Anthony Grant, has died, according to a university and athletic department statement. She was 20-years-old.

The joint statement issued by the university and the athletic department announced Jayda’s death Friday afternoon.

“On behalf of the entire University of Dayton community, it is with devastating heartache we mourn the passing of Jayda Grant. We extend our deepest sympathies to Anthony, Chris and their entire family. They have our unconditional love and support. We pray for their comfort and peace, and support their need for privacy during this period of immeasurable grief,” UD President Dr. Eric Spina and Director of Athletics Neil Sullivan said in the joint statement, obtained by News Center 7 and posted on social media.

Jayda was a 2019 graduate of Chaminade Julienne High School and was attending the University of Dayton, according to an obituary posted by HH Roberts Mortuary.

“Jayda enjoyed reading, writing, spending time with her dogs and connecting with friends. She had a strong passion for social justice issues, whether in the US or abroad.  She advocated for marginalized communities including the LGBTQ+. Jayda had a heart of gold and a deep love for those she held dear,” her obituary reads.

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Jayda was listed as a member of UD’s women’s track and field team in 2020 and 2021. However her biography noted she did not compete in the 2020 indoor season, and the 2020 outdoor and 2021 indoor seasons were cancelled due to COVID-19.

“On behalf of the Atlantic 10 Conference, I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Coach Grant, Chris and their family.  Their beautiful Jayda left this Earth far too prematurely for us to comprehend. The A-10 extends unlimited support and strength to the Grants and the University of Dayton family,” A-10 Commissioner Bernadette McGlade said in a statement.

Jayda’s cause and manner of death were not available, a Greene County Coroner’s Office spokesperson told News Center 7. The spokesperson acknowledged the office had a case, however her death was still under investigation.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to local National Alliance on Mental Illness. Her funeral arrangements were not announced, but will be a private ceremony, according to her obituary.

We’ll update this story as we learn more.

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