Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver and his family are mourning the devastating death of his two-year-old son, nearly two months after the toddler drowned in a swimming pool at the NFL star's Texas home.
The Bills publicly confirmed the death of Oliver's son on Saturday, 22 August, but did not disclose how or when the child died.
The Buffalo News, however, reported that Oliver's son died in the 28 June drowning at the family's home in the Houston area. The newspaper linked the death to an incident reported by local authorities at the time.
Oliver and his family are now asking for 'privacy and prayers at this very difficult time', NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe reported, citing a source close to the player.
Bills Confirm 'Unthinkable Tragedy'
Bills general manager and president of football operations Brandon Beane confirmed Oliver's loss in a statement released by the team.
'On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son,' Beane said.
'It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss.'
The team's statement did not identify Oliver's son by name or provide any details surrounding his death.
Toddler Drowned at Texas Home in June
On 28 June, the Harris County Sheriff's Office responded to a home in the Huffman area of Texas after a toddler was found unresponsive in a swimming pool.
The Houston Chronicle, reporting on the incident the following day, said the child was believed to be two years old but did not identify him. Deputies responded at around 6.15pm, and the toddler was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Several family members were reportedly at the property at the time, while at least one other child at the home was unharmed.
Authorities did not disclose how the toddler entered the pool. Investigators were conducting interviews, photographing the scene and working to establish what had happened. No criminal charges were announced.
The Buffalo News later connected that drowning to Oliver's family. The newspaper reported that property records showed Oliver owned a home on the block where the incident occurred.
The outlet sought further information from the Sheriff's Office, including the child's identity and details surrounding the drowning. However, authorities argued that the requested records should remain confidential because the case was still an 'open and active investigation'.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office also declined to comment on an active investigation.
Oliver Continued Preparing for NFL Season
Oliver, 28, has continued preparing for his eighth NFL season while privately mourning his son's death.
The Houston native reported to Bills training camp with the rest of the team on 28 July and participated in practices. He also played 10 snaps in Buffalo's 15 August pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers.
Oliver has not been on the field this week because of an undisclosed injury.
As Oliver prepares for another NFL season, the Bills have made clear that the organisation is standing behind him and his family as they grieve what Beane described as an 'unthinkable tragedy'.
