Former NFL quarterback and White Hall High School (Ark.) football coach Ryan Mallett died after drowning in a rip current, according to local news outlet Deltaplex News.
The media reported that nine to 12 people were caught in the current. Mallett was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. All others survived.
The Okaloosa Sheriff’s Department released a tweet confirming that a tourist died on the shores of Gulf Short Drive in Destin:
“A tourist has apparently drowned off Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. A group of people were reportedly fighting in the open sea when a man went under. He was no longer breathing when lifeguards found him and pulled him out. Tragically, life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.”
A tourist has apparently drowned off Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. A group of people were reportedly fighting in the open sea when a man went under. He was no longer breathing when lifeguards found him and pulled him out. Tragically, lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. pic.twitter.com/fn5Z4FG8GE
— OkaloosaSheriff (@OCSOALERTS) June 27, 2023
Mallett rose to national prominence at Arkansas, where he totaled 7,493 yards and 62 touchdowns with 19 interceptions in his sophomore and junior years. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. From 2012 to 2017 he played for the Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, appearing in 21 games and starting eight games in his NFL career.
Mallett taught at Mountain Home High School (Ark.) for two years, where he also served as defensive coordinator, before moving to White Hall as the head coach ahead of the 2022 Arkansas Online season. The Bulldogs school website said that during his three years as an educator, Mallett taught sociology, history, physical education and health.
Many people and teams who came into contact with Mallet sent their condolences to the family and community on Twitter.
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 guided our program to some of our greatest moments in recent memory. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are… pic.twitter.com/aYlMOBkHAV
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) June 27, 2023
