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UPDATE: Former NFL and Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett identified as drowning victim in Destin

UPDATE: The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 35-year-old Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. Mallett, born on June 5, 1988, was an accomplished quarterback whose collegiate career flourished at Arkansas before he took the leap to the professional realm. In 2011, Mallett’s was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of […]

UPDATE: The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 35-year-old Ryan Mallett of Arkansas.

Mallett, born on June 5, 1988, was an accomplished quarterback whose collegiate career flourished at Arkansas before he took the leap to the professional realm. In 2011, Mallett’s was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the NFL Draft. He also played for the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.

  • Most recently, Mallett served as the head football coach at White Hall High School in White Hall, Arkansas.

Original report below:

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent drowning that claimed the life of a tourist in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday afternoon.

  • First responders were called to the beach behind 775 Gulf Shore Drive in Destin around 2:12 p.m., according to the report.

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, a group of people in the water near the second sandbar had reportedly been struggling to make their way back to shore.

One of the individuals, an adult male, went under and lifeguards say he was not breathing when he was pulled out.

According to the OSCO, lifesaving measures were immediately undertaken but the man was pronounced deceased at the Destin Emergency Room.

“It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett,” wrote White Hall School District on Tuesday night. “Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator. We ask that you remember his family, team, students, fellow coaches, and the White Hall School District staff in your prayers.”

6 Responses

  1. This is another tragedy that should not have happened! Prayers to Ryan’s entire family and friends!

  2. Prayers for Ryan’s family and friends. All beaches, Please have huge signs for RIPTIDE warnings..

  3. Many people make the error of fighting a riptide. The best action to take is swim parallel to shore. All beaches in FL should have flags and one is for Riptide and the flag with a large red means Hurricane Dangers.

  4. Our prayers are with the family. Sadley They Did and Do have the Riptide Warning Red & Double Red flags out for the last week, so has Panama City beaches.
    But so many think they can make it and it just gets so rough out there and takes all your energy.
    I found myself in a Situation many years ago in Newport beach as a teen and scared the crud outta me and taught me a big lesson.

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Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
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“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
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“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
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“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
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“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
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“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
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