Former NFL quarterback and White Hall High School (Ark.) football head coach Ryan Mallett passed away after drowning in a rip current, according to local news outlet Deltaplex News.
The outlet reported that nine to 12 people were caught in the rip current. Mallett was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. All others survived.
The Okaloosa Sheriff Department posted a tweet confirming that a tourist died offshore of Gulf Short Drive in Destin:
“A tourist died in an apparent drowning offshore of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. A group of individuals were reportedly truggling offshore when a man went under. He was not breathing when lifeguards found and pulled him out. Tragically lifesaving measures weren’t successful.”
A tourist died in an apparent drowning offshore of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. A group of individuals were reportedly truggling offshore when a man went under. He was not breathing when lifeguards found and pulled him out. Tragically lifesaving measures weren't successful. pic.twitter.com/fn5Z4FG8GE
— OkaloosaSheriff (@OCSOALERTS) June 27, 2023
Mallett rose to national prominence at Arkansas, where as a sophomore and junior he combined for 7,493 passing yards and 62 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. From 2012-17, he played for the Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, appearing in 21 games and starting eight over his NFL career.
Mallett spent two years teaching at Mountain Home High School (Ark.), where he also served as the defensive coordinator, before transitioning to White Hall ahead of the 2022 season for the head coaching job, according to Arkansas Online. The Bulldogs’ school website said that over his three years as an educator, Mallett taught sociology, history, physical education and health.
Many people and teams who had come in touch with Mallet tweeted expressing condolences to the family and community.
We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. 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… pic.twitter.com/aYlMOBkHAV
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) June 27, 2023
