Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett and his wife Jordanna Barrett are mourning the recent drowning death of their two-year-old daughter, Arrayah. Jordanna broke her silence on Wednesday (May 3) on Instagram to issue a statement on behalf of the Barrett family.
“Thank you all for all the messages, flowers, thoughts, and prayers,” she wrote. “Our world will never be the same.”
Arrayah reportedly died after drowning in a pool at the couple’s Tampa Bay residence on Sunday morning (April 30). She was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead after exhausting all lifesaving measures.
Shaquil Barrett’s 2 year old daughter, Arrayah drowned today while swimming at their family pool in South Florida.
Prayers to Shaquil and his family and may Arrayah rest in peace.
Absolutely heartbreaking news. pic.twitter.com/adVAZ9fsw9
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) April 30, 2023
The Buccaneers released an official statement on the same day of the tragic accident and sent their condolences to Shaquil and his family. “Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all the members of the Buccaneers family,” the statement reads via Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna, and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 30, 2023
Members of the team and peers of The Barrett’s also sent their grievances, including retired Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. “The Brady’s love you,” the seven-time Super Bowl Champ wrote in a since-deleted Instagram Story.
A private funeral service will be held on Friday (May 5) for Arrayah as the Barrett’s also asks for donations. The online notice asks all in attendance to “honor Arrayah’s memory by wearing bright colors.”
Jordanna shared a link to Arrayah’s online obituary with her social media followers where she describes her baby girl as “a sparkle in her eyes” with an “endearing nature [that] was so kind and magnetic.”
The Barrett family has been supported by the Tampa Bay community and beyond during this difficult time. Shaquil and Jordanna are both incredibly grateful for all the love, prayers, and support they have received.
