Heartbreaking news was received earlier today from Tampa, Florida, as Shaquil Barrett, aka Shaq Barrett, lost his two-year-old daughter, Arrayah, due to a tragic incident. Arrayah, the youngest child of Barrett, who is a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL, drowned in a swimming pool at her home.
A statement was released by the Buccaneers. It said, “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.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 30, 2023
“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.”
As reported by ESPN, officers from the Tampa Police Department arrived at a Tampa residence close to 9:30 am ET on Sunday morning. They had received a call about a child falling into a pool. The child was pronounced dead shortly after she was taken to the hospital.
“It is not believed to be suspicious in nature at this time, but a purely accidental and tragic incident,” according to the Tampa PD’s statement. However, investigations are taking place at the time of writing this.
The NFL community, including Tom Brady, mourns the loss of Shaq Barrett’s daughter
30-year-old Shaquil Barrett is entering his fifth season with the Tampa-based NFL team. He has been named to the Pro Bowl twice. Barrett, who was suffering from a torn Achilles is going through a much more difficult time now with the passing away of his daughter. The NFL fans and players have sent prayers towards him and his family.
Tom Brady, a former teammate of Barrett, posted about the incident on his Instagram story. He posted a happy picture of the Barrett family and captioned it, “The Brady’s love you.”
Many other players including Patrick Mahomes mourned the tragic loss.
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
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
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
NFL fans also took to Twitter and Instagram to mourn the tragic loss. Shaq Barrett himself has not released any statement yet. The funeral scenario is also not known to the media as of now.
Shaq Barrett’s family
Shaq Barrett, who follows Christianity, has grown a very happy family filled with his loved ones. More than a decade ago, he got married to Jordanna Barrett. They got married on February 2, 2012.
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The couple had four children: Shaquil Jr., Braylon, Aaliyah, and Arrayah. It is extremely tragic to realize that they have lost their youngest child. Jordanna posted a picture of Arrayah just over a week ago on Instagram. It was Arrayah’s second birthday and she posted it saying that time flew by. Fans have flooded the comments on that post with their condolences.