- Buccaneers linebacker Shaq Barrett lost his two-year-old daughter, Arrayah
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released a statement
- Barrett recently greeted his daughter on her birthday
The 2-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowned in the family's swimming pool, according to police.
In response to a report that a child had fallen into a pool, officers were dispatched to Shaq Barrett's residence in the Beach Park neighborhood of south Tampa around 9:30 a.m.
Shaq Barrett's Daughter Drowned in Family Pool
Arrayah, the youngest child of the football player, was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead, as per NBC New York. According to the police report, the investigation is ongoing. At this time, it is not believed to be suspicious but rather a tragic accident.
"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. While there are no words that can truly comfort them at this time," the team continued, "we offer our support and love as they begin to process the loss of their beloved Arrayah, " the Buccaneers said in a statement.
Per USA Today, Barrett celebrated Arrayah's birthday on Instagram a week ago.
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Buccaneers Expresses Support, Condolences
The news of Arrayah's death sent shocks around the NFL. Barrett's former teammate in Tampa Bay, free agent running back Leonard Fournette, was among many who expressed their condolences and support on social media, according to Washington Post via MSN.
"In this game all we take away is the Money, Memories, and friendships. Shaq, I love you, brother praying for you, one of the best guys I've ever met God, send your hands over his family at this time," Fournette tweeted.
In this game all we take away is the Money, Memories, and friendships Shaq I love you brother praying for you one of the best guys I’ve ever met God send your hands over his family at this time 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/EHjZoFGSfu
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) April 30, 2023
Shaquil Barrett, 30, has two Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl victories. He played eight seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos (2015-18) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He re-signed with the Buccaneers on a four-year, $72 million contract in March 2021. He was vital to the team's Super Bowl run in 2020, with four sacks between the NFC championship game and Super Bowl 55.
Barrett was born in Baltimore and spent his first two years of high school there before moving to Nebraska to finish his preps career at a private boarding school. He met Jordanna in Nebraska, married her at 19, and had their first three children within three years.
The Bucs' LB began his college studies at the University of Nebraska Omaha, but the football program ended after his first year, so he switched to Colorado State.
Barrett, recovering from a cracked Achilles that kept him out for the second half of last season, is in his fifth season with the Buccaneers after starting his career with the Denver Broncos. He led the NFL in sacks with 19 1/2 in 2019. He helped the Bucs win the Super Bowl the following season.
