UNION–The  Kean Athletic Department and the New Jersey Athletic Conference mourns the loss of former football player Markal Ginyard, who died on August 1 after suffering injuries as a passenger in a one-car accident. 

A four-year letterwinner, Ginyard was a two-year starter at safety for the Cougars in 2007 and 2008 after seeing spot time on defense and special teams in his first two seasons. 

The South Jersey native had a breakout junior season when he ranked fourth on the squad with 51 tackles and was second with six pass break-ups in his first season as a starter. 

Ginyard, who started 18 games over his final two seasons, ranked fifth on the team in tackles (40) as a senior, despite missing two games with an injury. He was also tied for first with two forced fumbles in 2008. 

In 25 career games, Ginyard made 108 tackles, had 12 passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. 

“Markal was one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever coached,” said Kean Head Coach Dan Garrett. “He was always smiling and making all those around him laugh.”

The 23-year old was joined on the team by twin brother, Maurice, as both were special teams and defensive players throughout their four-year careers and were members of the 2006 Eastern College Athletic Conference Southeast Bowl Championship team, only the program’s second ECAC title at the time. 

“We lost a great young man with his entire life ahead of him,” said Kean Head Coach Dan Garrett. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Maurice and the entire Ginyard family.”