Former professional football player Ryan Mallett tragically lost his life in a presumed drowning incident in Florida on Tuesday, according to authorities.
Mallett was declared dead at a hospital after being found unconscious in the water as reported by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. He died at the age of 35.
Michele Nicholson, the spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, confirmed that the victim of the drowning was indeed Ryan Mallett.
The White Hall School District, where Mallett worked as a head football coach, expressed their deep sorrow over his passing in a statement released on Tuesday. The NFL and Mallett’s former teams also offered their condolences during this difficult time.
“It is with immense sadness that we share the news of Coach Ryan Mallett’s untimely departure,” stated the White Hall School District. “Coach Mallett was cherished as both a coach and an educator.”
In a Twitter statement, the NFL expressed their heartfelt condolences: “The NFL family is profoundly saddened by the loss of Ryan Mallett. we are with his family.
Ryan Mallett, who formerly played as a quarterback for the Arkansas Razorbacks and was drafted by the New England Patriots, had also been a part of the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans.
The sheriff’s office stated, “A group of individuals in the water near the second sandbar were reportedly struggling to return to shore. One adult male from the group went under, and lifeguards found him unresponsive when he was pulled out.”
Patriots coach Bill Belichick expressed his extreme grief through a Twitter statement, saying, “I am incredibly saddened by Ryan’s tragic passing.”
The sheriff’s office stated, “A group of individuals in the water near the second sandbar were reportedly struggling to return to shore. One adult male from the group went under, and lifeguards found him unresponsive when he was pulled out.”
Ryan Mallett RIP:
there have been multiple recent fatalities due to rip currents along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Swim-at-your-own-risk and swimming-prohibited notices have been posted at some beaches.
The Panama City Beach area was under a coastal hazard message, effective from 10 a.m. into the night on Tuesday. The National Weather Service warning indicated the presence of dangerous rip currents.
Know MoreAbout Ryan Mallete:https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2023/06/ex-michigan-qb-ryan-mallett-dead-following-tragedy-in-florida.html