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Who is Ryan Mallett's girlfriend? Ex-NFL quarterback shared appreciation post for partner a few days before death

Ryan Mallett, 35, was on a vacation in Destin, Florida, when he drowned and died

DESTIN, FLORIDA: The unexpected death of former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett has shocked many. The 35-year-old athlete was on a vacation in Destin, Florida, when he died. His cause of death has been determined as as drowning by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

A statement from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said, as per The Sun, “A tourist died in an apparent drowning offshore of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. A group of individuals was reportedly struggling offshore when a man went under. He was not breathing when lifeguards found and pulled him out." 

“Tragically lifesaving measures weren't successful. The victim is identified as 35-year-old Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones in his tragic passing,” it added.

Who is Ryan Mallett's girlfriend?

The high school football coach was holidaying with his girlfriend, Madison Carter, when the tragedy happened. The 35-year-old had gone official just a few days ago as he shared a photo with his lady love on Facebook and wrote, “Appreciation post for my DR/driver/nurse Madison Carter.”

The post received good wishes for the pair with a user writing, “Nice picture of you two God bless.” Another user said, “Glad you finally found her!” “The more you appreciate the less your relationship will depreciate!” a third user suggested.

According to Carter’s Facebook page, she is from Crossett, Arkansas, and is a student at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State. In 2020, she shared her desire to “train for a half-marathon” on the social media site. She wrote, “I’ve decided I’m going to check something else off my bucket list this year....I’m about to start training for a half-marathon! ISO any tips/music/motivation to help out an amateur runner.”

‘Our thoughts are with the Mallett family’

Meanwhile, tributes have started to get in for Mallett. Sports analyst Pat McAfee tweeted, “Man… Rest Easy Ryan Mallett... I had the opportunity to have a few beers with Ryan and I always appreciated his kindness. WE NEVER KNOW WHEN OUR TIME IS COMING… life is finite. Let’s never forget that.”

The New England Patriots tweeted that they “are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett. They wrote, "Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates, and all who are mourning his loss.” Legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick added, “I am extremely saddened by Ryan's tragic passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched.”