Ryan Mallett's Death: New Details Emerge; Sheriff 'Frustrated' About 'Deadliest Beach'
The death of former Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett in a drowning is inarguably tragic. But new information from law enforcement officials in Florida insists that the accident was preventable.
"I’m beyond frustrated at the situation that we have with tragic and unnecessary deaths in the Gulf," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford wrote on Facebook on Sunday, two days before Mallett's passing. "I have watched while deputies, firefighters and lifeguards have risked their lives to save strangers. I have seen strangers die trying to save their children and loved ones, including two fathers on (Father’s Day).
"These same heroes, who have risked it all to save others, have been cursed and given the finger, while trying to warn visitors of the life-threatening dangers.''
Mallett, 35, drowned in the ocean near Destin - an area where beachgoers have been warned to avoid due to a recent rash of drowning deaths caused by Gulf of Mexico rip currents.
Wrote Ford on Sunday: "We have used the tools provided by the county commission to fine violators $500 for entering the water on double red flags. We don’t have the resources or time to cite every single person that enters the water ...''
Ford also issued a beach-related warning on Tuesday, the day of Mallett's accident, writing, "Use caution every time you go into the Gulf. Today is a bit rough, so be especially careful. We'll be out on the sand, doing our best to keep you safe, visitors and residents alike.''
The Gulf Coast has seen 11 drowning deaths in the last two weeks alone, making it the deadliest beach in the U.S. Rip current deaths have recently risen nationwide, with a high of 113 in 2021.
Mallett, who starred at Arkansas before being a third-round pick of the Patriots in the 2011 NFL Draft, recently became a high school head coach in White Hall, Arkansas.
Said his Patriots teammate Tom Brady in a social media post: "We lost a great man. Thank you for everything, Ryan. Praying for the Mallett family and all their loved ones tonight.”
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