During the heated November 9 matchup between BYU and the University of Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium, BYU cheerleading coach Jocelyn Allan suffered injuries after being struck by a water bottle thrown from the stands. The impact rendered Allan unconscious on the sidelines, leading to a concussion and other physical issues that will require weeks of recovery.
William Gardner, 18, from North Salt Lake, has been charged with aggravated assault, a third-degree felony. University of Utah police and witnesses, along with surveillance footage, identified Gardner as the individual responsible. Gardner later admitted to throwing the bottle out of frustration after the game’s dramatic conclusion.
Witnesses at the stadium reported seeing a bottle, later identified as half-full, flying through the air before hitting Allan on the head. Charging documents reveal that Allan briefly lost consciousness and awoke disoriented, asking those around her what had occurred. She was escorted for medical evaluation shortly after the game, where symptoms of a concussion, neck pain, and vision issues were noted.
The incident occurred after BYU secured a narrow 22-21 victory over Utah in the long-standing “Holy War” rivalry game, with a last-second field goal sealing the win. Gardner, who was reportedly seated in a suite, admitted to police that his emotions led him to throw the bottle toward the field. He claimed he later saw news coverage of the incident and realized he had been the cause.
Allan’s injuries have impacted her ability to work and participate in physical activities required for her role as a coach. Doctors have recommended therapy, estimating a recovery period of at least six weeks. In addition to memory issues and balance problems, she continues to experience neck pain and headaches.
University of Utah police confirmed that other fans also threw bottles and objects onto the field after the game. Multiple water bottles were found near the area where Allan was standing. Witnesses in the stadium described trying to prevent Gardner and his father from leaving the suite after the bottle was thrown, but they were reportedly stopped by another individual.
Gardner’s father contacted police on November 12 to report his son’s involvement in the incident. Gardner admitted during questioning that he understood the potential danger of throwing a bottle from a height but claimed he acted impulsively.
The BYU-Utah rivalry, known as the “Holy War,” is one of the most intense in college sports, with emotions often running high among fans. This year’s matchup marked the latest in a long history of close and hard-fought games, culminating in BYU’s narrow victory.
Stay connected with Cheer Daily for ongoing updates and stories from the cheerleading world. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok to stay in the know.
