It’s with a heavy heart that we report on the devastating news that Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett’s 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in the swimming pool at the family’s South Tampa home on Sunday morning. The devastating details inside…
In a tragic turn of events, Shaquil Barrett, a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has lost his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, to a drowning incident at the family’s South Tampa home.
The Tampa Police Department received a call just before 9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning regarding a child who had fallen into a pool at Shaquil’s residence in the Beach Park area of Tampa. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported the child to a nearby hospital, but despite their best efforts, Arrayah was pronounced dead shortly after.
Sadly, Arrayah had just turned 2 two weeks ago.
The investigation into the tragic incident is ongoing. However, the Tampa Police Department has stated that it is not believed to be suspicious and was purely accidental. The authorities responded to the call and transported the child to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of medical staff, Arrayah passed away shortly after arrival.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 30, 2023
The Buccaneers have expressed their condolences in a statement, sharing that the news is heartbreaking for everyone in the team’s family. They offered their support and love to Shaq, Jordanna, and the entire Barrett family as they try to come to terms with their loss.
Shaquil and his wife, Jordanna, have been high school sweethearts and have three other children: Shaquil Jr., Braylon, and Aaliyah. Arrayah was born just two months after Shaquil and the Bucs won Super Bowl 55 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had recently signed a massive four-year, $72 million contract with $34 million guaranteed, securing his future with the team.
During the 2022 season, Shaquil, 30, suffered a torn Achilles during a Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which cut his campaign short. Despite only playing eight games and starts that season, he managed to tally up 31 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.
The Bucs signed Shaquil as a free agent in 2019, and he immediately made a huge impact, leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks and earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy that no parent should have to endure, and our hearts go out to Shaquil and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Photos: Steve Jacobson/Shutterstock/Shaquil’s IG
