In a tragic turn of events, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett has suffered a heartbreaking personal loss. The soccer player’s 2-year-old daughter, named Arrayah, drowned in a swimming pool at their home on Sunday.
The toddler was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. Shaquil and his wife, Jordanna, had welcomed Arrayah in April 2021. Read on to know the complete details of the tragic news.
NFL Player Shaquil Barrett’s 2-Year-Old Daughter Drowns in Swimming Pool at Home
The incident took place on the morning of April 30th. The Tampa Police responded to the report of the falling of a child in a pool and reached Barrett’s house in the Beach Park area around 9:30 am. The child was taken to a local hospital. Some lifesaving measures were taken by the doctors, but the kid could not be saved and was pronounced dead.
The Tampa Police Department is now investigating the case. The officers have said that the incident does not seem to be suspicious, but purely accidental. “It is not believed to be suspicious in nature at this time, but a purely accidental and tragic incident,” read a statement by the police.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Release Statement
Buccaneers sent their prayers to the Barrett family and showed their support with a statement. “Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna, and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time,” the team wrote.
“While no words can provide true comfort at a time such as this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Arrayah,” they added. The official account of Houston Texans also tweeted, “Sending our deepest condolences to the Barrett family.”
“Our hearts are heavy – We join in prayer, asking God to comfort and strengthen Shaq and his family during this unimaginably difficult time. The entire #BucsNation is united in faith and love for you,” wrote a fan.
Another penned, “Reports of Bucs LB Shaquil Barrett’s 2 year old daughter drowning in their family’s swimming pool this morning is what nightmares are made of. Prayers to him & his family. Cannot imagine the pain they’re going through. All NFL fans UNITE in prayer.”
Arrayah was the Youngest Child of Shaquil Barrett
Barrett got married to his girlfriend from high school, Jordanna, in 2012. Arrayah was the couple’s youngest child. They have three older children: Shaquil Jr., Braylon, and Aaliyah. Arrayah was born in 2021, just two months after Barett and his team won Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs.
At the time, the player signed a $72 million contract with his team with $34 million guaranteed. Barrett is entering his fifth season with the Bucs this year. Signed by the team in 2019 as a free agent, he went on to lead the NFL with 19.5 sacks. Since then, he has been named to the Pro Bowl twice. His 2022 campaign was cut short due to an Achilles injury.
Sending our prayers and condolences to Shaquil Barrett and his family.