2-Year-Old Daughter of Bucs Player Shaquil Barrett Dies After Falling Into Swimming Pool

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay Buccaneers players, coaches, management and fans are extending their sympathies and support to the team's outside linebacker, Shaquil Barrett, and his family after his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in the swimming pool at the family’s Beach Park home in South Tampa Sunday.

More than 1,400 Bucs fans have posted comments expressing how sorry they are to learn of the tragedy facing Barrett, his wife, Jordanna, and their three older children on the Buccaneers' Facebook page.

According to the Tampa Police Department, officers responded to Barrett’s home just before 9:30 a.m. for a report of a child who had fallen into a swimming pool. Tampa Fire Rescue responded and began lifesaving measures and then took the child to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Tampa police are investigating the death, but said it appears to be "a purely accidental and tragic incident."

“Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family,” said the Buccaneers in a statement. “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, 30, and wife, Jordanna, were high school sweethearts.

They have three older children: Shaquil Jr., Braylon and Aaliyah.

Arrayah was the youngest. Jordanna Barrett was pregnant with Arrayah when the Bucs defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl in Tampa on Feb. 8, 2021. She was born two months later.

Barrett (No. 58) has played five seasons with the Bucs. He was signed by the team as a free agent in 2019 and led the NFL with 19.5 sacks.

In October, Barrett's season was cut short after he suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the third quarter of a 27-22 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

According to the Bucs, Barrett just signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the team with $34 million guaranteed.