- Araya Barrett, two, died after drowning in a family pool in Tampa, Florida on Sunday
- The little girl, daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Shaq Barrett, celebrated her birthday on April 19 at a fun-filled shark party with her siblings
- Tom Brady was among those to send condolences as the NFL family spoke of their grief at the tragic news
Tom Brady offered his condolences to teammate Shaq Barrett, whose two-year-old daughter died Sunday after drowning in a swimming pool at home.
Barrett, 30, has played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2019. Brady, 45, joined the following year.
Brady posted a photo of Barrett, his wife Jordana, their four children and their dog and added the emotional message: “Brady loves you.”
The Florida-based team released a statement Sunday evening confirming the tragic death of little Araya.
Police responded to a call of a child who had fallen into a pool around 9:30 a.m. Sunday in the Tampa Beach Park area, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Araya Barrett, who celebrated her second birthday on April 19, was taken to hospital but attempts to save her life were unsuccessful, The Tampa Bay Times reported.
An investigation is underway, but Araya’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
Araya was the youngest of four children Baltimore native Barrett has with his wife, Jordana.
In a photo shared on Instagram to mark their daughter’s second birthday, Jordanna wrote: “Happy second birthday to my little Araya Sunshine!
“We love you so much! You are the end of our family, the apple of our eye! You have become the most fun, energetic, funny, sweet, kind, smart, precious little girl we could have ever dreamed of!
“Your big sister, big brothers and mom and dad love you to the moon and back”
“Happy birthday, Araya Sue.”
Her father’s last post was in tribute to his little girl on April 19.
“Happy 2nd birthday to my sweet girl. So cute and sweet,” Barrett wrote.
“You made our family complete. I love you baby girl.
The Florida team said Sunday night: “Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordana and the entire Barrett family at this unimaginably difficult time.
“While no words can provide true comfort at a time like this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Araya.”
Barrett has been with the team since 2019.
He and his wife met in high school and married in February 2012.
They have three surviving children: sons Shaquille Jr. and Braylon, and daughter Aaliyah.
The two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with the Buccaneers in March 2021.
Barrett suffered a season-ending injury in October, suffering a torn left Achilles during the Buccaneers’ Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
He finished the 2022 campaign with 31 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble in eight games.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Barrett has 348 tackles, 54.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in 115 career games (69 starts) with the Denver Broncos (2015-18) and Buccaneers.
The Broncos sent well wishes to their former player on Sunday. He played with Denver between 2014 and 2018.
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson tweeted: “Heartbreaking. We are praying for you and your family Shaq.