Riptides Reportedly Not A Factor In Drowning Of Ex-Ravens QB Ryan Mallett

Immediately after the death of former Ravens quarterback Ryan Mallett was announced on Tuesday, questionable conditions in the water were blamed.

Mallett was reportedly one of six people who struggled to make it back to shore, with the former Razorback standout being the only one to perish.

On Thursday, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office released a video statement that said, in part, that there was "no indication of dangerous conditions,” refuting reports that riptides had contributed to the former NFL quarterback’s death. Destin was under a yellow flag at the time, meaning swim with caution.

“It just seems to be just a tragic accident and not something to do with the conditions of the surf or tides or currents.”

Destin Beach Safety personnel responded quickly to the scene when it was reported that one of the persons have submerged and failed to resurface. Three lifeguards entered the water and located Mallett and attempted life-saving measures.

Mallett was transported via ambulance to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mallett recently accepted a position as head coach of White Hall High School in Arkansas after serving as an assistant there since 2020. He was drafted out of Arkansas by New England in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

"Our hearts go out to Ryan's family and we offer every condolence to them today. Ryan was a part of us," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. "I will always remember the love he had for his teammates and for making the most of, and enjoying every football day while here. Once a Raven always a Raven, R.I.P. Ryan."

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