ordanna Barrett, Shaquil Barrett’s wife, has made a statement for the first time since the heartbreaking death of her cherished 2-year-old daughter was made public.
Jordanna thanked everyone for their warm sentiments in a post she shared on Instagram with a priceless snapshot of her daughter, Arrayah. “I want to thank everyone for their kind words, flowers, prayers, and thoughts. Our world will never be the same.”
“Arrayah was the apple of my eye, and she will always hold a special place in my heart. My baby, you have my undying love. I’m truly sorry. Please look after your siblings, mum and dad, till we meet again.”
“We will always and forever love you. I can’t wait to give you a tight hug and see that priceless smile once more. I’d do anything for you.”
Following news reports confirming the death of Arrayah Barrett, Shaquil Barrett’s 2-year-old daughter, the sports community expressed sorrow and condolences.
Barrett is a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to TMZ, the Buccaneers announced the heartbreaking news in a statement on April 30.
“Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna, and the Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time. While no words can provide true comfort at this time, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Arrayah.”
According to police, Arrayah reportedly drowned in the family’s pool. She was transported to a local hospital on Sunday morning after it was reported that she fell into the water. The 2-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police confirm that the investigation into the accident is ongoing. But preliminary results say that “the circumstances of the accident don’t appear to be suspicious in nature,” according to TMZ.
While neither Shaq nor his wife, Jordanna, have shared a statement, Shaq’s last post on his Instagram was a post celebrating Arrayah’s second birthday on April 19.
“Happy 2nd bday to my cutie girl. So sweet and cute. You made our family complete. I love you, baby girl!”
Several of his teammates, including Tom Brady, took to social media to offer their condolences to Shaq, Jordanna, and Arrayah’s three siblings. With a picture of the Barrett family, Brady wrote, “The Bradys love you,” with a red heart emoji.
Granger Smith, the country singer turned pastor who also lost one of his children in a drowning incident, commented, “Love you, brother.”
According to the CDC, “more children ages 1–4 die from drowning in the United States than any other cause of death. For children ages 5–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.”
The CDC confirms that “most drownings in children 1–4 happen in swimming pools.” Drowning is often silent and can happen in seconds, and it can happen to anyone.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Barrett family during this heartbreaking time.
