Investigators have ruled out that former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett was caught in a riptide before he tragically drowned on Tuesday.
An initial theory behind the 35-year-old's death was that he was trapped in a current off the shore of Destin, Florida. His death came after seven others drowned in nearby Panama City Beach, about 50 miles away, over the course of nine days.
Arkansas native and ex- New England Patriots star Mallett was in Florida on vacation alongside his new girlfriend, Madison, when the incident occurred. "There were no rip currents present in the area in which we responded to Ryan Mallett," the Destin Fire Control District said in a statement posted to one of their social media channels.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has released a video of the aftermath of the incident with Sheriff Eric Alden ruling the incident a tragedy and having nothing to do with the conditions. The beach was under a yellow flag warning that day, meaning a medium level of hazard due to moderate surf/current. Sherrif Alden said in the clip: "It just seems to be a tragic accident and not something to do with the conditions of the surf or tides or currents."
Video footage shows the police's response to the incident, with one weaving through beachgoers to get Mallett in sight from the shore, while another could be seen taking his equipment off to join the rescue in the water.
Mallett, a third-round 2011 NFL draftee, began struggling to swim while attempting to reach a second sandbar 150 feet offshore of the beach near Gulf Shores Drive, investigators have said. Mallett was one of six who were struggling, with three lifeguards getting into the water in an attempt to rescue them.
Mallett went under and when he was found and pulled by lifeguards, he was no longer breathing. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful and Mallett was pronounced dead at the Destin emergency room.
Tributes poured in from across the NFL, including from Mallett's former Patriots teammate Tom Brady. "We lost a great man. Thank you for everything Ryan,” Brady wrote in an Instagram story. "Praying for the Mallett family and all their loved ones tonight,” Brady added in the post.
Mallett's time at the Patriots lasted until 2014 and he found a new home with the Houston Texans. His spell in Texas lasted a year, though, as Mallett joined the Baltimore Ravens, where he had a two-year spell.
After his playing career, Mallett moved into coaching football at High School level. In 2020, Mallett became assistant coach of Mountain Home in his hometown of Arkansas and then went on to become head coach of White Hall in 2022.
Coaching is something Mallett always thought he would end up doing post-retirement. "It’s just natural for me," Mallett said. "I understand it. I get how everything works, and then I just love football. You get to teach kids the right way at a young age, and that’s something I really enjoy."
White Hall High School said: "It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett. Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator. We ask that you remember his family, team, students, fellow coaches, and the White Hall School District staff in your prayers.”
