UPDATE: Deltaplex News has confirmed the incident that happen which led to the death of White Hall head football coach Ryan Mallett happened in the Destin, Florida area.
Media sources in Destin tell Deltaplex News that Mallett and 9-12 other people are believed to have been caught in a rip current. Everyone but Mallett was able to reach a sandbar to safely get out of the water. Mallett was swept under the water.
Lifeguards were able to get to Mallett, however he was not breathing when he was recovered. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the news on their Facebook page, saying first responders were called to the beach behind 775 Gulf Shore Drive in Destin around 2:12 p.m ET.
“A group of people in the water near the second sandbar had reportedly been struggling to make their way back to shore,” the report stated. “One of the individuals, an adult male (Mallett), went under and lifeguards say he was not breathing when pulled out. Lifesaving measures were immediately undertaken but the man was pronounced deceased at the Destin Emergency Room.”
The White Hall School District released the following statement regarding Mallett’s death on Tuesday afternoon:
“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.”
Arkansas football released a statement Tuesday evening about Mallett.
“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 with his mother Debbie and his extended family.”
Mallett was drafted in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He played nine games across the 2014-15 seasons with the Houston Texans and he finished his NFL career out with a three-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens.
New England released a statement regarding Mallett’s death on Tuesday evening.
“The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss.”
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick added a statement of his own.
“I am extremely saddened by Ryan’s tragic passing,” Belichick said. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched.”
Additionally, former Razorback head coach Bobby Petrino released a statement on Twitter.
”I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of one of the greatest competitors I’ve had the privilege of coaching. Not only was Ryan a great leader and teammate on the field, he was a thoughtful and generous person off the field as well.
Personally, I know how much he loved being a hog. I along with thousands of others will always remember 4th and 3 in Little Rock against LSU when he made the perfect pass to Joe to seal the win!
My heart goes out to his family and to all of Hog nation tonight. Gone but never forgotten. May you rest in peace buddy. Love you!”
According to local media in the Destin, Florida area, 12 people have drowned in the past two weeks due to rip currents on Florida and Alabama beaches.
James Tindle, code enforcement manager of Panama City Beach, said his department has ticketed 25 people so far this year for entering the Gulf under double-red flags.
Tindle said Panama City Beach code enforcement officers ticketed more than 250 people last year for the offense.
The Panama City City Council approved the ordinance in 2020 that put a $500 cap on citations given to swimmers who refuse to get out of the water when two red flags fly. The ordinance also established a 50% discount for those who pay their fine within 20 days.
Between 2002-2021, the treacherous currents have been responsible for 191 deaths along the Alabama and Florida Panhandle coast. That’s more than tornadoes, lightning, tropical weather systems, and flooding combined, according to National Weather Service data cited by AL.com.
White Hall is expected to have a team meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday to address the situation.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Deltaplex News has confirmed through multiple sources that White Hall head football coach and former Arkansas Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallett has drowned in Florida.
Multiple sources tell Deltaplex News that Mallett was transported to a Florida hospital from a beach. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Mallett was hired by White Hall on Februaray 23, 2022.
No other details are available at this time. Deltaplex News will update this story as more information becomes available.
