Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver is mourning the death of his 2-year-old son, who drowned in a swimming pool at the family’s home in Huffman, Texas, near Houston, on June 28, the team confirmed Saturday.
The child, identified as Ed Oliver III, was found unresponsive in the pool by his parents, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to an in-progress life-in-danger call that evening. The toddler was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:18 p.m.
Authorities did not publicly identify the child at the time of the incident. At least one other child at the home was uninjured, a Harris County Sheriff’s Office detective said. An investigation remains ongoing.
The tragedy stayed private for nearly two months. News became public over the weekend amid speculation about Oliver’s recent absences from some team activities. A source close to Oliver said the player and his family are asking for “privacy and prayers at this very difficult time.”
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane released a statement Saturday expressing the organization’s support.
“On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son,” Beane said. “It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss.”
The Bills had been aware of the incident since it occurred. Oliver, 28, participated in team activities throughout training camp. He was not with the team for its preseason game Saturday against the Cleveland Browns while nursing a minor injury, and the Bills had already decided most veteran starters would not play.
Oliver, a former University of Houston star, was selected ninth overall by the Bills in the 2019 NFL Draft and is entering his eighth season with the team. He has been a mainstay on Buffalo’s defensive line.
The family has requested privacy as they grieve.
