After five seasons in the National Football League, and an impressive collegiate career, former quarterback Ryan Mallet met an untimely death following an apparent drowning incident. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his tragic demise on Tuesday night, which took place along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Notably, the 35-year-old was visiting the beach as a tourist when the incident occurred.
The drowning incident happened on Tuesday afternoon at a beach in Dentin. According to the reports, first responders arrived at the scene at about 12:12 p.m. upon receiving distress calls about a group of people trapped offshore and struggling to return to land. One of them went under during the struggle. Lifeguards eventually pulled him out, but he was already unresponsive. A statement by the sheriff’s office read,
“A tourist died in an apparent drowning offshore of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. A group of individuals were reportedly struggling offshore when a man went under. He was not breathing when lifeguards found and pulled him out. Tragically lifesaving measures weren’t successful.”
First responders transported the victim to a local hospital, where medical experts pronounced him dead. The tourist was later identified as Ryan Mallet upon notifying his next of kin of his death by drowning.
“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.” – WH School District statement
— Chris May (@KATVChrisMay) June 27, 2023
The World Remembers Ryan Mallet After His Death
Until his apparent drowning, Ryan Mallet worked as a coach at the White Hall School District. The school’s officials confirmed his death on Twitter with a heartfelt tribute that read,
“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.”
Before embracing a life of tutoring, Ryan had a successful run both in college and in the NFL. He played as a college Freshman at the University of Michigan before eventually transferring to Arkansas, where he aced his college career for two seasons. He was drafted into the NFL in 2011 as a third-round selection by the New England Patriots. Thus began his seven-year run in the NFL.
The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FvdhQmrTh6
— NFL (@NFL) June 27, 2023
In 2022, the former NFL quarterback landed his teaching role at White Hall High, also doubling as the head Football coach. Despite his retirement from professional football, the NFL remembered him, paying tribute to the football star. His former teams, as well as other NFL players, also paid tribute to Ryan Mallet, extending condolences to his family as they dealt with the aftermath of his death by drowning. He joins the list of victims who have met their demise along the Gulf Coast in recent weeks due to the rip currents.