Police said the 2-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker, Shaquil Barrett, drowned in a swimming pool on Sunday at the family’s Florida home, CNN reported.
Police were sent to Barrett’s home after receiving a call saying the child had fallen in the pool. Shaquil’s daughter, Arrayah, was brought to a local hospital where she died.
“It is not believed to be suspicious in nature at this time, but a purely accidental and tragic incident,” police said. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
The Buccaneers released a statement in support of Barrett and his family:
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 30, 2023
The statement read: “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 said. “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.”
Shaquil Barrett, 30, and his wife, Jordanna, share four children together and Arrayah was the youngest, according to The Tampa Bay Times.
Arrayah had recently celebrated her 2nd birthday on April 19th. Her Dad shared a tribute on Instagram at the time of the toddler wearing a pink tutu.
“Happy 2nd bday to my cutie girl. So sweet and cute. You made our family complete. I love you baby girl😘😘,” he wrote:
Barrett has played in the National Football League for nine seasons. He entered as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State and played his first five years with the Denver Broncos, per CNN. He won his first Superbowl with the team in 2019. Barrett signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. He won a Superbowl with this team in 2021.
Many celebrities sent condolences to Shaq and his family, including his former teammate, Tom Brady. In a message posted on his Instagram Stories, Brady — who was teammates with Barrett for three years before his retirement in February — expressed, “The Brady’s love you,” alongside a family photo of the Barretts.
Let us please keep this family in our prayers. Rest In Peace, Baby Arrayah.
