The tragic death of Arrayah Barrett: Buccaneers LB Shaquil Barrett’s daughter, 2, drowns in family swimming pool

The tragedy took place within two weeks after Arrayah Barrett celebrated her birthday on April 19
PUBLISHED MAY 1, 2023
Arrayah Barrett, daughter of Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett, died on April 30 (Instagram/@moochman6, Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Arrayah Barrett, daughter of Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett, died on April 30 (Instagram/@moochman6, Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

TAMPA, FLORIDA: Arrayah Barrett, the two-year-old daughter of Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett, died on Sunday, April 30. According to police, officers responded to the location around 9.30 am on the day of the incident after they received a call informing a child had fallen into a pool. Arrayah was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

The tragedy took place just a few days after Arrayah celebrated her birthday on April 19. Police are currently investigating the death, but it is believed to be an accidental incident, reports Daily Mail. The Buccaneers posted a statement following the news of Arrayah’s death that read, “Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time. 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.”

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Who was Arrayah Barrett?

Arrayah was the youngest of four children Shaquil has with his wife Jordanna. The other three children are Shaquil Jr, Braylon and Aaliyah, reported Tampa Bay Times. Shaquil’s latest post on his Instagram was on April 19, celebrating Arrayah’s second birthday, where he wrote, “Happy 2nd bday to my cutie girl. So sweet and cute. You made our family complete. I love you baby girl.”



 

'Our hearts are heavy'

Following her death, well-wishers and Shaquil's fans expressed their shock and sent condolences. One of them wrote, "My heart completely sank after hearing the terrible news. My prayers go out to the Barrett family." Another said, "Our hearts are heavy - We join in prayer, asking God to comfort and strengthen Shaq and his family during this unimaginably difficult time. The entire #BucsNation is united in faith and love for you." One more commented, "My condolences. I truly cannot imagine what they are going through right now." While an individual tweeted, "A loss of a child is so hard to comprehend until you’ve had children. Heartbreaking."



 



 



 



 

Who is Shaquil Barrett's wife?

According to Tampa Bay Times, Shaquil, who has been with the Buccaneers since the 2019 season, and Jordanna were high school lovers, who got married on February 2, 2012. Talking about it in 2015, Jordanna said, “We never shared vows. When we got married, we said we are going to have a wedding and we are going to exchange vows," reported Denver Post. Speaking of Shaquil's bond with his children, Jordanna said, “His kids are his pride and joy. If anybody watched us, that’s the first thing they would see. His kids are who he is.”



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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