NFL star's 2-year-old daughter tragically drowns in pool

The two-year-old daughter of an NFL star has tragically passed away after drowning in the family swimming pool.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett's daughter, Arrayah, sadly died on Sunday (April 30) morning, with the team issuing a statement about her death on social media.

"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," the Buccaneers wrote.

"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," they added.

As reported by The New York Post, police officers responded to an emergency call about a child falling into a pool on Sunday around 9:30 AM.

The young girl was then transported to a nearby hospital, but even with lifesaving measures, she was heartbreakingly pronounced dead a short time after arrival

Law enforcement is currently investigating Arrayah's death, but it is believed to be a tragic incident, according to a Tampa Bay Times.

After hearing the tragic news, many football teams and industry professionals sent their heartfelt condolences to the 30-year-old's family.

San Francisco 49ers wrote: "Sending our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Barrett family," while NFL Insider Field Yates penned: "Thinking of the Barrett family during this heartbreaking time."

Barrett's former team, the Denver Broncos, published a statement on Twitter that read: "#BroncosCountry is with you, Shaq & the entire Barrett family."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker lost his youngest of four children shared with his wife Jordanna. Credit: ZUMA Press Inc / Alamy

Arrayah was the youngest of the four children the footballer shared with his wife Jordanna.

The athlete initially entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2014. He signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers ahead of the 2019 season and had a career year with a league-leading 19.5 sacks.

He is a two-time Pro Bowler who guided the league in sacks in 2019 and also triumphed in two Super Bowls, one with Tampa Bay and one with his former team, the Denver Broncos.

During the 2022 season, Barrett, unfortunately, suffered a torn Achilles in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens, cutting his campaign short. He ended the season with 31 tackles and three sacks.

Our thoughts are with Barrett's family and friends at this devastating time.

Featured image credit: Cal Sport Media / Alamy