Valorant pro Tyler ‘sym’ Porter, 21, dies in car crash

Tyler “sym” Porter, 21, and his friend Austen “yuno” Reed died in a car accident on May 5 while celebrating Porter’s 21st birthday, a close friend wrote on X. The post added that both died late the previous night and that Porter was on a birthday trip. Authorities have not released the location or an official cause of the crash.

Porter began competing in Valorant tournaments in 2020 under the handle sym. He played for Moist Moguls, which finished first in Valorant Challengers North America Split 2 in 2023, then joined TSM’s academy team. He moved to TSM’s main roster in 2024, helped the team qualify for VCT Ascension Americas and won Group Stage Day 1 MVP at that event.

Porter stepped away from professional play for a period and returned in 2026 as a temporary stand-in for Winthrop University, according to team records. Reed, who used the in-game name yuno, was described by peers as a close friend and teammate.

Responses from the Valorant community appeared on social platforms. Leo Faria, Global Head of Valorant Esports at Riot Games, posted on X: “My condolences to Tyler’s family and friends. This tragedy is a stark reminder of how fragile life is. Take care of yourselves, be good to each other, and hold your loved ones close today.” Fans recalled matches and highlighted a performance in which Porter recorded 32 first bloods across 61 rounds in a best-of-three.

TSM and family representatives have not released official statements. Authorities have not provided further details about the circumstances of the crash. Teammates and fans have posted tributes online, and additional information may be released as investigations continue.