Shaquil Barrett Posts Emotional Tribute on Anniversary of Daughter’s Death

Shaquil Barrett is honoring his daughter on the one year anniversary of her death.

On Tuesday, April 30, the Miami Dolphins linebacker, 31, shared a photo on Instagram of a drawing of his family, which included his daughter Arrayah, who died last year after drowning in a pool. In his caption, Shaquil reflected on how difficult the last year has been while honoring his daughter’s memory.

“Hey baby girl, Ik I didn’t post you on your bday just the emotions that come with putting together the words to say was something I didn’t wanna feel at the time and I’m sorry,” he began his caption.

“To have to think about you not being here is to [sic] overwhelming at times. Looking through all my pictures and videos of you brings the biggest smile to my face because you were always so happy and smiling nonstop.”

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“Then sadness hits because pictures and videos are all that we have left of you. Thank you for the best two years. It sucks that we couldn’t have more time together. So grateful for the time we did have together,” he continued.

“It’s been a year and it still feels like yesterday. We miss you so much baby girl. Please continue to watch over us. We love you 😘😘😘 #TGBTG.”

Shaquil’s wife Jordann Barrett also shared a message on Instagram in honor of their daughter Arrayah, posting a length caption alongside a bouquet of flowers.

“Arrayah, I can’t believe you’ve been gone for a whole year. A whole year of missed laughter, missed smiles, missed hugs, missed silliness, missed love, missed heartbeats, and missed firsts. I miss you more than I could ever express,” Jordanna wrote in her post.

“I’ve had to learn a new normal, a new way of life. A new way of myself. Which I am still navigating,” she said. “I’m a mess most days, but in that mess we’ve been able to welcome your little sister Allanah!”

“We were not going to have any more children, we thought that ship had sailed. But finding out right after you passed that we were expecting your sister, I can’t help but believe that you had a special hand in that,” Jordanna shared.

After the news about Arrayah’s death went public last May, Jordanna spoke out on Instagram, thanking everyone for their support during that unimaginable time.

“Thank you all for all the messages, flowers, thoughts and prayers. Our world will never be the same,” the bereaved mother wrote.

“Arrayah was the apple of my eye, and my heart will forever be with hers. I love you so much, my baby. I am so, so sorry. Until we see each other again, please watch over your siblings and momma and dada,” she continued. “We love you forever and ever and always. I can’t wait to see that precious smile again, and just hug you so close. I wish we had more time. I love you.”

In addition to Allanah and Arrayah, the couple also share sons Braylon, 10, and Shaquil Jr., 11, as well as daughter Aaliyah, 8.