Deng Reng Death Report: Former Wheaton North and Ferris State Basketball Player’s Status Remains Unconfirmed

Reports circulating online about the death of Deng Reng have raised concern among people connected to the Wheaton, Illinois, basketball community and Ferris State University. However, his reported death has not been independently confirmed, and available basketball records indicate that he continued playing beyond his college years.

Reng was a standout at Wheaton North High School before continuing his career with the Ferris State Bulldogs in Michigan. His basketball journey, athletic development and connection to his South Sudanese heritage were also documented in a 2020 feature published by the Ferris State Torch.

Until a family announcement, official statement or reliable obituary confirms the report, it would be premature to publish a definitive obituary or describe him as deceased.

Deng Reng’s Basketball Career at Wheaton North

Reng became known in the Wheaton basketball community during his time at Wheaton North High School. A January 2019 report by the Chicago Sun-Times recorded that he scored 22 points, grabbed five rebounds and blocked three shots against Geneva High School.

His progress earned him an opportunity to continue playing at Ferris State University. A 2020 Ferris State Torch feature described him as a 6-foot-6 sophomore wing who had made 26 starts during his freshman season and averaged 5.5 points per game.

Deng Reng’s Professional Basketball Career

Importantly, Reng’s basketball career did not end with college. Basketball databases list him as playing for KK Angeli in North Macedonia during the 2025–26 season. His recorded performances include 16 points and 12 rebounds against Cair 2030 on April 9, 2026.

These recent records make it particularly important to verify the identity and circumstances behind the death report before publishing it as fact. They do not, by themselves, establish his present status.

Is Deng Reng Dead?

As of the information reviewed for this article, I could not find a reliable family announcement, official statement or confirmed obituary establishing Deng Reng’s death.

The available sources confirm his basketball history and document professional playing activity during 2025–26, but they do not confirm the reported passing. His age, date of death, cause and funeral arrangements are also unverified.

A Respectful Approach to the Reports

The Wheaton and Ferris State basketball communities have reason to value Reng’s documented sporting achievements. However, publishing an obituary without confirmation could spread distressing misinformation to his family, friends and former teammates.

Until credible confirmation becomes available, the responsible approach is to describe this as an unverified death report, rather than announce his death or offer condolences as though it were established.