Tragedy struck the NFL community on Tuesday with the news of former quarterback Ryan Mallett's passing. The 35-year-old drowned at a beach in Destin, Florida, despite the absence of rip currents at the time. According to Destin Beach Safety, the flag condition was yellow, indicating moderate surf and currents. Mallett reportedly encountered difficulties while swimming approximately 150 feet offshore, attempting to reach a second sandbar.
A 911 call reported six individuals struggling in the water, with Mallett among them. First responders were alerted that one swimmer had gone under and failed to resurface. Lifeguards immediately entered the water and recovered Mallett, initiating life-saving measures alongside Destin Fire paramedics upon returning to shore. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful.
Between June 14 and June 25, beach conditions had necessitated single or double red flags due to dangerous currents, with entering the water during a double red flag being prohibited. This incident follows a concerning rise in drowning deaths in the area. Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford expressed his frustration with the preventable nature of these tragedies, highlighting the risks taken by both beachgoers and first responders.
Destin Beach Safety reported no drownings during the period of heightened flag conditions, but did conduct 48 rescues amidst an influx of over 200,000 visitors. Nearby Panama City Beach has seen seven fatalities this year, all occurring in June, making it the deadliest beach in the U.S. in 2023 according to National Weather Service data.
Mallett had a notable college football career, starting at Michigan before transferring to the University of Arkansas where he became a standout quarterback in 2009 and 2010. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2011 and played five seasons in the NFL, primarily as a backup. More recently, in 2022, he embarked on a coaching career, leading the football program at White Hall High School in Arkansas.
