Shaquil Barrett’s wife mourns their two-year-old daughter after she drowned in swimming pool
The wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett has broken her silence days after their two-year-old daughter drowned in the family pool.
Arrayah Barrett, who celebrated her second birthday on April 19, was taken to hospital, but efforts to save her life were unsuccessful. Tampa Bay Times reported.
Barrett’s wife Jordanna shared a heartbreaking post on Instagram in tribute to her daughter, penning an emotional statement alongside a touching photo of Arrayah beaming on her recent birthday.
“Thank you all for all the messages, flowers, thoughts and prayers,” Jordanna’s statement read Wednesday.
Our world will never be the same again. Arrayah was the apple of my eye and my heart will be with hers forever.
Shaquil Barrett’s wife has broken her silence days after their two-year-old daughter drowned
Jordanna Barrett shared a statement on Instagram alongside a photo of a smiling Arrayah
The two-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaq Barrett has died. Arrayah didn’t celebrate her second birthday until April 19 (above)
“I love you so much my dear. I’m so sorry. Until we meet again, please watch over your siblings and mom and dad. We love you forever and ever and ever.
“Can’t wait to see that precious smile again and just hug you so close.” I would do absolutely anything. There’s no Barrett 6 without you, and we’ll keep your place here forever, until we all meet again in heaven. I love you forever and always.’
Jordanna also shared a link to an obituary for Arrayah in the caption.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers star’s father also posted a heartbreaking tribute to him granddaughter who drowned in a swimming pool in Florida.
Steve Barrett shared photos of himself with his two-year-old grandchild Arrayah Barrett late Sunday night, hours after news of the death was first reported.
“Pop-Pop Loves You,” Steve wrote in a post that has since received dozens of condolences.
Police first responded to a report of a child falling into a swimming pool near Barrett’s home in Tampa around 9:30 a.m. Sunday, the Tampa Police Department said.
The Buccaneers released a statement on Sunday confirming Arrayah’s tragic death and sharing their condolences to the family.
“While words cannot offer real comfort at a time like this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very deep loss of their beloved Arrayah,” the statement read.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates have also offered their support and love to the Barrett family following the tragic loss of the toddler.
The little girl is depicted in the pool. She was found drowned on Sunday morning
Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Shaq Barrett’s dad has posted a heartbreaking tribute to his granddaughter who drowned in a pool over the weekend in Florida
“Pop-Pop Loves You,” Steve wrote in a message that has since received dozens of condolences
In another photo posted to Facebook Sunday night, Steve is sitting on a lawn chair with Arrayah on his lap as they sit outside and stare off into the distance
Tom Brady posted a photo of Barrett, his wife Jordanna, their four children and their dog and added the emotional message: “The Bradys love you.”
Barrett, 30, has been playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2019. Brady, 45, joined the following year.
Jordanna and Barrett have three surviving children: sons Shaquil Jr. and Braylon, and daughter Aaliyah.
The two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with the Buccaneers in March 2021.
Barrett suffered a season-ending injury in October, suffering a torn left Achilles tendon during the Buccaneers’ Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
He finished the 2022 campaign with 31 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble in eight games.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Barrett has 348 tackles, 54.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles and five fumbles to recover in 115 career games (69 starts) with the Denver Broncos (2015-18) and Buccaneers.
The Broncos sent their best wishes to their former player on Sunday. He played with Denver from 2014 to 2018.
Other teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, also sent their condolences to Barrett and his wife.
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson wrote on Twitter, “Heartbreaking. I pray for you and your Shaq family.’
An investigation is underway, but Arrayah’s death is not considered suspicious.
Arrayah was the youngest of four children Baltimore native Barrett has with his wife Jordanna.
In a photo shared on Instagram marking their daughter’s second birthday, Jordanna wrote, “Happy second birthday my little Arrayah Sunshine!
‘We love you so much! You are the addition to our family, the apple to our eyes! You have become the cutest, most energetic, entertaining, sweet, kind, smart, precious little girl we could have ever dreamed of!
“Your big sister, big brothers and mom and dad love you to the moon and back.
“Happy Birthday Arrayah Sue.”
More to follow.