Shaquil Barrett, a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, suffered an unimaginable loss on Sunday when his two-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in a swimming pool at their home in Tampa, Florida. According to a statement from the Tampa Police Department, officers arrived at the residence after receiving a call that a child had fallen into a pool. Although the child was transported to a local hospital, attempts to save her life were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead shortly after.
Buccaneers Offer Support and Love
The Buccaneers organization released a statement expressing their heartbreak over the tragedy and offering their support to Barrett and his family. “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 statement read. “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.”
An investigation is ongoing, but the Tampa Police Department has stated that the incident is believed to be purely accidental and not suspicious in nature. Arrayah was the youngest of the Barretts’ four children.
Barrett, who is entering his fifth season with the Buccaneers, has been named to the Pro Bowl twice, including in 2019 when he led the NFL with 19.5 sacks. His 2022 season was cut short by a torn Achilles. The entire NFL community is rallying around Barrett and his family during this difficult time.
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