It has not been over a month since Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Shaquil Barrett celebrated the second birthday of his youngest daughter Arrayah Barrett on April 19 by posting a series of photos of the two-year-old kid on his Instagram.
Barrett‘s family met sudden shockwaves after the heartbreaking death of Arrayah due to drowning on Sunday morning in the swimming pool at his Florida home, per Tampa Police.
The police officers rushed to the scene just around 9:30 a.m. after receiving a call of a child being fallen into a pool in the Beach Park area. Arrayah was immediately taken to a nearby hospital where the doctors attempted to perform life-saving measures, however, she couldn’t respond and was announced deceased.
The Tampa Police are currently investigating the death, however, the incident is considered to be purely accidental, and no foul play was involved.
The NFL community rallied around Shaquil Barrett after the heartbreaking news of his daughter’s passing
Upon hearing the heartbreaking news, the NFL community as a whole came forward to console Barrett, with fellow NFL players such as Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Russell Wilson, Taylor Lewan, Robert Griffin III, Jermaine Johnson II, and Maxx Crosby expressing their support and condolences.
Wilson, Griffin, and Mahomes quoted the Buccaneers’ official statement released following the incident.
“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 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”, the Bucs team wrote on Twitter.
Prayers to the entire Barrett family 💔🙏🏽 https://t.co/ayTG1KZZJ9
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) April 30, 2023
Heartbreaking. 💔
Praying for you & your family Shaq. https://t.co/kP6oGf2XlZ— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 30, 2023
Please send a prayer up for Shaq Barrett and his family after the tragic drowning of his 2 year old daughter, Arrayah, in the family pool this morning. Unimaginable tragedy. https://t.co/82ttWz6gVh
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 30, 2023
The NFL GOAT Tom Brady posted a picture of the 30-year-old player with his whole family on his Instagram story captioned by “The Brady’s love you”.
Retired NFL legend Rob Gronkowski also shared a picture of Shaquil holding his youngest daughter on his Instagram story with the caption ” Sending you and your family all the love and prayers”.
Veteran football stars Taylor Lewan, Jermaine Johnson II, and Maxx Crosby took to Twitter to convey their sympathy and support following the tragic incident.
As a dad, I can’t imagine the pain Shaq and the rest of the Barrett family are going through.
Heartbroken for them, sending thoughts and prayers to them. 🙏🏻
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) May 1, 2023
Mannn.. Sending nothing but love and Prayers to Shaq and the Barrett family. Lord I pray that you cover them with your love and grace in this awful time. 🙏🏾🖤
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) April 30, 2023
Mannn.. Sending nothing but love and Prayers to Shaq and the Barrett family. Lord I pray that you cover them with your love and grace in this awful time. 🙏🏾🖤
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) April 30, 2023
Being A Father… The Shaq Barrett News Absolutely Crushes My Heart. Praying For Him & His Family😔🙏🏼
— 🦅MaddMaxx🦅 (@CrosbyMaxx) May 1, 2023
Barrett and his wife Jordanna got married in February 2012, and except for Arrayah, the couple has three other kids: Shaquil Jr., 11, Braylon, 9, and Aaliyah, 8.
The outpouring of love and support from the NFL community for the Bucs LB and his family is a testament to the tight-knit bond shared by players and fans alike. While the loss of a child is a tragedy that no parents should have to endure, the messages of love and support from the football world may bring some comfort to the family during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Barrett family as they navigate this incredibly devastating phase of life.
