(CNN) — The girlfriend of Ryan Mallett, a former NFL quarterback who apparently drowned on a Florida beach last week, said she tried everything she could to save him.
“I trust God has a plan for everything, but I don’t think I’ll ever figure out why that happened.” wrote Madison Carter on Facebook.
“I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, and I hope you know how hard I tried,” she added.
Lifeguards rushed to a beach after reports that a group of people in the water were having difficulty reaching shore, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said.
Mallett was part of the group and was underwater when emergency personnel pulled him out, according to the sheriff’s office. He was not breathing when he reached shore, authorities said.
Carter described Mallett as talented, dedicated and passionate.
“Those of us who were lucky enough to know your heart know that it was even bigger than your personality and importance. It was never about you, it was always about others,” she wrote.
“There are no words to express how much I miss you. I hope you know how loved you are. By me, your amazing family, your friends, your teammates, your students, and countless others. I don’t know” I don’t know how am i going to get through this. But I’m so honored to love you and that you loved me. You changed my life and I will be forever grateful for the time we shared,” she added.
Mallett was a star with the Arkansas Razorbacks before being selected in the 2011 third round by the New England Patriots, according to the NFL. He spent seven years in the NFL with the Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.
He played in 21 games, started 3-5 and compiled 1,835 passing yards, nine touchdown passes and 10 interceptions, the NFL said. His career ended in 2017.
Authorities have issued a warning to beachgoers after rip currents claimed at least 11 lives in two weeks last month along the Gulf Coast.
Destin beaches had yellow flags indicating “medium hazard, moderate waves and/or currents,” although “there were no rip currents in the area where we responded to Ryan Mallett,” the Destin Fire District said in a statement. declaration.
Mallett’s death “appears to be just a tragic accident and not something to do with surf conditions, tides or currents,” Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said.
NFL star Tom Brady shared a photo online of himself and Mallett, his former Patriots teammate. “We have lost a great man. Thanks for everything Ryan,” Brady wrote on Instagram. “Pray for the Mallett family and all their loved ones.”
