Jordanna Barrett, the wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett, has ended the family’s silence concerning their 2-year-old daughter Arrayah’s death after she drowned in their pool. The unfortunate incident happened when someone called the police to the Barrett home. Despite their best efforts to help Arrayah, she didn’t survive.
Shaquil hasn’t commented on the matter after receiving an overflow of condolences and love from those in the NFL community and beyond. Still, Jordanna released a heartbreaking statement on social media. She captioned the Instagram post with a picture of Arrayah, saying, “Thank you all for all the messages, flowers, thoughts and prayers. 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, momma, and dada. We love you forever and ever and always.”
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The caption concluded, “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 meet again in heaven. I love you forever and always.” The post also linked to Arrayah’s obituary. She was the youngest of the Barrett’s four children.
The NFL community also showed love and support to the Barretts, including Shaquil’s former teammate Tom Brady. Brady wrote on Instagram with a picture of the Barrett family, “The Brady’s love you.” In an Instagram story, Rob Gronkowski also wrote to Barrett: “Sending you and your family all the love and prayers.”
The Buccaneers also released a statement, saying, “Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family. 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.”
Barrett is a two-time Super Bowl champion who won his most recent with the Bucs in 2021. He missed more than half of last season after tearing an Achilles. The Barretts have been married since 2012. Arrayah, who turned 2 on April 19, fell into the family pool. She was then rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
In a touching tribute to his late daughter, Shaquil Barrett got his daughter’s face tattooed on his forearm. The tattoo features a photo of Arrayah from her second birthday party, some stars, and a ray of light beaming through clouds.
Barrett’s wife, Jordanna, recently announced that the couple is expecting another baby, saying in the reveal, “Arrayah had a special hand in picking this sweet girl to add to our family!” She added, “We miss our Arrayah every second of every day, but I rest in knowing she’s going to be the best big sister angel to little miss Allanah.”
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