Scary Details Emerge From Beach Where Ryan Mallett Reportedly Died
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 25: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks watches a replay on the scoreboard against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Donald W. Reynolds Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 24 to 20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Former Arkansas and NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett reportedly drowned on Tuesday.
New details are emerging from the site of the incident, suggesting that his death could have been prevented.
Local law enforcement in Bay County, Florida recently criticized beachgoers for dismissing warnings around the beach near the Gulf Coast.
"I’m beyond frustrated at the situation that we have with tragic and unnecessary deaths in the Gulf," said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford on Facebook two days before Mallett's death.
"I have watched while deputies, firefighters and lifeguards have risked their lives to save strangers. I have seen strangers die trying to save their children and loved ones, including two fathers."
Mallett is believed to have drowned near Destin, Florida.
Swimmers have been warned to stay away from the area due to dangerous rip currents. Those rip currents have led to several deaths, and the Gulf Coast has seen 11 drowning deaths over the last two weeks.
Ford also issued a warning to those on the beach on Tuesday, the day Mallett died.
"Use caution every time you go into the Gulf," Ford said. "Today is a bit rough, so be especially careful. We'll be out on the sand, doing our best to keep you safe, visitors and residents alike."
Mallett was a star at the University of Arkansas before playing on multiple NFL teams including the Houston Texans and New England Patriots.
