"I would do anything to give you one more hug, one more I love you. One more anything," the grieving mother wrote.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett's wife is remembering the sweet moments with their 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, one week after her tragic death. The Super Bowl-winning athlete, 30, and his wife Jordanna have three other children. Arrayah, the youngest child of Barrett and Jordanna drowned on Sunday, April 30, morning at the family's Tampa Bay home swimming pool. The toddler was transported to a nearby hospital once authorities arrived and there, in spite of efforts to save her life, was pronounced dead.
Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett’s 2-year-old daughter drowns in pool https://t.co/g7jcELK914 pic.twitter.com/Rp0ChFbRWt
— New York Post (@nypost) April 30, 2023
On Sunday, May 7, Jordanna shared a series of videos of her baby who she misses deeply. "I miss your laugh. I miss your smile. I miss your hugs, I miss your mommas. I miss everything about you," Jordanna captioned the videos showing the baby smiling and laughing. "My heart is so shattered. I would do anything to give you one more hug, one more I love you. One more anything." The grief-stricken mom then goes on to thank her little girl "for the best 2 years of our lives. Your smile and laugh will forever be engraved in me. You are the sunshine to my days, and the beats to my heart. The world was a better place because you were in it. I love you forever and always and miss every big and little thing about you. Please stay close, momma needs you," she concluded.
According to BBC, The Buccaneers released a statement on the "tragic" and "heartbreaking" news. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, (his wife) Jordanna, and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time," it said. "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."
The investigation into her death is ongoing but it is not believed to be suspicious, per authorities.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker Shaquil Barrett's Daughter, 2, Dead After Drowning in a Pool pic.twitter.com/lZWCu7Aeih
— People (@people) May 1, 2023
Arrayah had just celebrated her second birthday on April 19 before she passed away. Her doting dad had written a sweet note to commemorate her special day. "Happy 2nd bday to my cutie girl. So sweet and cute. You made our family complete. I love you baby girl😘😘," he wrote.
Shaquil Barrett’s 2-year old daughter, Arrayah, passed away today due to drowning.
— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) April 30, 2023
Rest in Peace 😢❤️ pic.twitter.com/lQo0m4rPbc
Arrayah's obituary remembers the toddler as having a "sparkle in her eyes that drew your attention. Her endearing nature was so kind and magnetic." Arrayah is survived by her immediate family; her paternal grandparents, Donyetta Hawkins and Steve Barrett (NeeNee); her maternal grandparents, Jeff and Angie Busch; along with a loving extended family which includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends, the obituary added.
References:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tampa-fl/arrayah-barrett-11274481
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65447377
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr8zxiauxx5/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CrOeIwjOzxh/
Cover Image Source: Twitter | @NFL_Stats