New details emerge in death of former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett at Florida beach
Authorities released body cam footage showing police responding to the Destin tourist spot.
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Former NFL player Ryan Mallett drowned Tuesday while vacationing near Destin, Florida, according to Destin police and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
(UPI) -- Former NFL and University of Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett died of an apparent drowning in Destin, Florida, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said. He was 35.
Officials said a group of first responders were called to the beach at about 2:15 p.m. EDT Tuesday when they found Mallett in the water "struggling while attempting to swim to a second sandbar about 150 feet offshore."
Police said Mallett went underwater and lifeguards said he was not breathing when pulled out. First responders performed lifesaving measures, but Mallett was later pronounced deceased at the Destin Emergency Room.
Yellow flags indicating “a medium hazard, moderate surf and/or currents” flew Tuesday along Destin beaches, though “there were no rip currents present in the area in which we responded to Ryan Mallett,” the Destin Fire Control District said Wednesday in a statement. Mallett’s death “seems to be just a tragic accident and not something to do with the conditions of the surf or tides or currents,” Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said.
Authorities said they continue to investigate the incident.
"We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones in his tragic passing," the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said.
Mallett, a Batesville, Arkansas, native, first became an elite national prospect out of Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas. He then went to Michigan and transferred to Arkansas, where he starred in 2009 and 2010.
The New England Patriots picked Mallett in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He later spent time with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.
Mallett played in 21 games, went 3-5 as a starter, and compiled 1,835 passing yards, nine touchdown passes and 10 interceptions, the NFL said. His career ended in 2017.
‘We lost a great man’ in Mallett, Brady says
NFL star Tom Brady also took to social media to mourn his former teammate, sharing a photo of him and Mallett together on the field.
“We lost a great man. Thank you for everything Ryan,” Brady wrote on Instagram. “Praying for the Mallett family and all their loved ones tonight.”
Michigan, Arkansas, the Patriots, Texans and Ravens also offered condolences upon learning of Mallett's death.
“The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett,” the team said on Twitter. “Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss.”
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett passed away at 35 from an apparent drowning, according to reports.
He was most recently serving as head coach of the White Hall High School football team in White Hall, Arkansas, at the time of his death.
"It is with great sadness that we share the loss of coach Ryan Mallett," the White Hall school district announced. "Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator. We ask that you remember his family, team, students, fellow coaches, and the White Hall school district staff in your prayers."
"We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett," Arkansas said. "He was a Razorback legend with larger-than-life talent and a personality to match. He led our program to some of our best moments in recent memory.
"He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Debbie and his extended family."
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Ryan Mallett looks to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Aug. 11, 2016, in Baltimore. Mallett, who played for New England, Houston and Baltimore during five seasons in the NFL, has died in an apparent drowning, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
