One year has passed since Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaquil Barrett and his family faced a heart-wrenching loss. Barrett took to Instagram to share a touching tribute on Instagram to mark the first anniversary of his daughter, Arrayah’s, passing.
The NFL star started off his post with an apology to his daughter for not posting a birthday message to her on April 19th.
“Hey baby girl, Ik I didn’t post you on your bday just the emotions that come with putting together the words to say was something I didn’t wanna feel at the time and I’m sorry.”
Arrayah tragically lost her life at the age of two due to a drowning accident in the family pool.
He continued, “To have to think about you not being here is to overwhelming at times. Looking through all my pictures and videos of you brings the biggest smile to my face because you were always so happy and smiling nonstop. Then sadness hits because pictures and videos are all that we have left of you. Thank you for the best two years. It sucks that we couldn’t have more time together. So grateful for the time we did have together. It’s been a year and it still feels like yesterday. We miss you so much baby girl. Please continue to watch over us. We love you.”
In addition to Arrayah, Barrett and his wife, Jordanna, are also parents to three older children sons, Shaquil Jr., Braylon and daughter, Aaliyah.
Earlier this year, the family welcomed a new member to the Barrett family: Allanah Ray Barrett.
Arrayah’s tragic passing sheds light on the sobering reality of pool-related accidents, particularly among young children.
According to statistics, between 2019 and 2021, 788 children under the age of 14 died in pools nationwide. Florida, where the Barrett’s reside, was the top state that had the highest number of pool-related child fatalities with 147.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 to 19-year-olds, who are Black, are five times more likely to drown in a swimming pool compared to their white peers. Black children ages 11 and 12 were 10 times more likely to drown. The YMCA states that 64 percent of Black children cannot swim compared to only 40 percent of White children.
In response to this stark truth, Barrett and his family have established the Arrayah Hope Foundation. “I created the Arrayah Hope Foundation to raise awareness of the critical importance of water safety in honor of my daughter Arrayah.I’m asking all moms, dads and anyone who cares about children to please make sure the #FirstSport you teach your kids is how to swim!” Shaquil shared on Instagram
Photo: Shaquil Barrett Instagram
