The wife of NFL star Shaquil Barrett has spoken out after the pair's two-year-old daughter tragically died.
Last weekend, it was reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker and his wife Jordanna Barrett suffered a tragedy after their youngest daughter, Arrayah, drowned in their pool.
According to a statement obtained by ESPN, officers from the Tampa Police Department arrived at the family's residence just before 9:30 AM ET after receiving a call that a child had fallen into a pool.
The two-year-old was quickly transported to a nearby hospital where medical professionals did their best to revive her, but the toddler was pronounced dead shortly after.
In a statement released on behalf of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 30, a spokesperson said that this news was "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," it continued. "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."
Tom Brady, a retired Buccaneers quarterback shared a message to the family on his Instagram Stories, writing, "The Bradys love you."
The police department is still investigating the matter, though the death is not being treated as suspicious.
"It is not believed to be suspicious in nature at this time, but a purely accidental and tragic incident," according to a follow-up statement by the department.
Now, just days later, Shaquil's wife has spoken out on the sudden loss of their daughter.
Taking to Instagram, the grieving mom-of-three other children wrote: "Thank you all for all the messages, flowers, thoughts and prayers," before continuing: "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."
"Please watch over your siblings and momma and dada," she urged. "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."
The heartbroken mom concluded the post saying that "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," she added.
According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged one- to four-years-old in the United States. It is also the second leading cause of unintentional injury or death after motor vehicle crashes for children aged five-14.
Added to the overall statistics about drowning, there are reported to be 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings across the country as a whole, which is an average of 11 a day.
As for non-fatal drownings, the numbers are doubled at approximately 8,000.
Arrayah was the youngest of four children in the Barrett family. Shaquil and Jordanna also share three other children together - Shaquil Jr., 11, Braylon, nine, and Aaliyah, eight.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this incredibly difficult time.
