Okaloosa, USA

Former NFL and Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, in a tragic accident, has died in an apartment drowning. Mallett was just 35 years old and had played for six seasons in the NFL. He was the coach at White Hall High Scholl in Arkansas.

Advertisment

The incident, which was reported by Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, was also confirmed by the school district on their website Tuesday, reported the Associated Press.

"A tourist died in an apparent drowning offshore of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. A group of individuals were reportedly struggling offshore when a man went under. He was not breathing when lifeguards found and pulled him out. Tragically lifesaving measures weren't successful," the Okaloosa County Sheriff's office had tweeted before confirming Mallett's identity in a follow-up tweet.

×

Advertisment

"Update: We have confirmation of next of kin notification. The victim is identified as 35-year old Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and loved one.s in his tragic passing," tweeted the Sheriff's office further.

×

Mallett's alma mater athletic director and New England coach Bill Belichick took to twitter to pay respect to the deceased quarterback.

Advertisment

Also Read: Free agent RB Leonard Fournette escapes unhurt after car catches fire while he was driving

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek tweeted, "Our @RazorbackFB family lost an incredibly special person today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Ryan Mallett. #OneRazorback." 

×

Belichick, who was Mallett's coach during his stint with the New England Patriots from 2011-2012, said he's "extremely saddened by Ryan’s tragic passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched." Belichick made the statement via New England Patriots' twitter account.

×

Ravens coach John Harbaugh also shared his thoughts on twitter. "Our hearts go out to Ryan’s family and we offer every condolence to them today. Ryan was a part of us," read his statement.

×

The QB was first selected by the Patriots in 2011 NFL Draft. He played for the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens as well. The QB played in 21 NFL games in his career, completing 190 of 345 pass attempts for 1,835 yards. He also managed to throw nine touchdowns as well.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.