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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 […]

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.”

PROMOTION

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

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 20, 2026
“3:43, 5 attempts”
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“To get a clearer picture, what is the historical record of impact on the nesting sites? Is there evidence of birds being impacted by previous fireworks shows?”
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“Happy Birthday Jeremy. I’ll see you soon buddy! I love you!”
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“You people need to see the overall picture: birds are an important part of nature. Destin already lets trees be felled without any consequences…other than global warming.”
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“Another effect of the Covid vax. Heart issues in young athletes. Crazy!”
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“Agree - for our 250th Birthday/Independence Day, this should not be the year to change. This should be the year for the biggest Celebration - the birth of our Republic,...”
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“For the 250th anniversary let’s keep the fireworks. Try something new next year.”
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“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! & for our nation's 250th!?? BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Let FREEDOM RING BABY!”
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Brett Wisdom commented on WordroW: May 19, 2026
“1:27, 3 attempts”
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