NFL’s Shaquil Barrett Reflects on Daughter’s Drowning, Launches Safety Foundation

NFL star Shaquil Barrett and his wife, Jordanna, continue to grapple with the grief of losing their 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, who drowned in their family pool in 2023. Barrett shared that their family's healing process is ongoing, relying on open communication with each other, friends, and their NFL community for support. The couple admitted to lapses in pool safety, such as leaving gates open and disabling door alarms, which contributed to the tragedy. They cautioned that life vests and flotation devices can create a false sense of security for young children, emphasizing the importance of multiple safety measures like locked gates and alarms. Jordanna highlighted that most drownings occur during non-swim times, urging parents to maintain safety layers at all times. The Barretts are now proactive about water safety, enrolling their younger children in swimming lessons and sharing their experience to help prevent similar incidents in other families.