Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaq Barrett and his family are dealing with the tragic death of his 2-year-old daughter over the weekend.
Barrett’s daughter Arrayah drowned in a swimming pool at their Tampa home, police said Sunday.
Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett looks at the scoreboard during the Baltimore Ravens game on Oct. 27, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Alex Menendez)
Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal revealed Wednesday on “The Big Podcast with Shaq” that he initially worried about his daughters when he saw the news.
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“It hit me harder yesterday because I got the Google alerts,” O’Neal said. “So, anything ‘Shaquille’ pops up…”
“So, I’m getting on my phone, and it says ‘Shaquil’s daughter dies in pool.’ So, I’m taught not to panic first. I didn’t get no calls or no texts. And then I opened it up [the alert] and was like ‘Damn.’ I immediately jumped in the DM [direct message] and told him I was sorry for his loss. I can’t imagine that one, brother. I really can’t.”
Shaquille ONeal attends the Big 12 basketball tournament championship game between the Texas Longhorns and Kansas Jayhawks on March 11, 2023, at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Tampa police officers responded to a call on Sunday about a child who had fallen into a pool, and the child was taken to an area hospital but died a short time later, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
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The Buccaneers released a statement on the tragic incident on Sunday.
“Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family,” the statement said. “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.”
On Wednesday, Shaq Barrett’s wife, Jordanna, broke the family’s silence following Arrayah’s passing.
Shaquil Barrett of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stands during the national anthem before the Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 14, 2021, in Philadelphia. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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“Thank you all for all the messages, flowers, thoughts and prayers,” she said in an Instagram post with a picture of Arrayah. “Our world will never be the same. Arrayah was the apple of my eye, and my heart will forever be with hers. I love you so much my baby. I am so so sorry. Until we see each other again, please watch over your siblings and momma and dada. We love you forever and ever and always.
“I can’t wait to see that precious smile again, and just hug you so close. I would do absolutely anything. There is no Barrett 6 without you, and we will forever hold your place down here, until we all meet again in heaven. I love you forever and always.”
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report
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