TAMPA, Fla. — The 2-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowned in a pool at the family home Sunday, police said.
Officers, responding to a call that a child had fallen into a swimming pool, were dispatched to Barrett’s home in the South Tampa neighborhood of Beach Park shortly before 9:30 a.m. football player, Arrayah, was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
«The investigation is ongoing,» the police report said. «It is not believed to be suspicious in nature at this time, but a purely accidental and tragic incident.»
Barrett, 30, and his wife, Jordanna, have three other children.
“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.» Buccaneers said a statement.
«While there are no words that can bring true comfort at a time like this,» the team added, «we offer our support and love as they begin to process this profound loss of their beloved Arrayah.»
Barrett, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him for the second half of last season, is entering his fifth year with Tampa Bay after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos.
Barrett led the NFL with 19½ sacks in 2019. The following season he helped the Bucs win the Super Bowl.