Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver is mourning the death of his 2-year-old son, Ed Oliver III, who died after a drowning accident, the team's general manager Brandon Beane confirmed.
"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 in a statement shared to Instagram on August 22. "It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss."
Oliver, who was drafted by the Bills in 2019 and has spent his entire NFL career with the team, shares his late son with longtime partner Dymond Gladney. The couple also have a daughter, Ava.
How the drowning happened
Oliver III died on June 28 after local authorities found him "unresponsive" in a swimming pool at a home outside Houston, Texas, according to a statement from Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
"The toddler was transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced deceased," the statement said. "This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the toddler's family during this incredibly difficult time. The investigation is ongoing."
Josh Allen speaks out
Bills quarterback Josh Allen addressed the loss during an August 22 press conference, expressing frustration over how details of the tragedy became public.
"First off, I want to say thank you to the ones that knew about it and allowed him to have his moment and his time. It's very sad," Allen told reporters. "And, you know how it came out, it makes me very, very sad and angry at the same time."
Allen said he and his teammates would focus on supporting Oliver through his grief.
"Obviously, very unfortunate what happened. And as a teammate of him and as someone in this locker room, all we can do is love on him," Allen said. "There's nothing that you can say to make the situation any better except being there for him in whatever ways he needs. And that's what we're going to continue to do. And that's what teammates do."
He added, "We love up on each other and try to hold each other up when we're down."
Allen, 30, is the father of a 4-month-old daughter, Harper, with his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld. He said he could not imagine what Oliver is going through, but praised his teammate for attending training camp despite the tragedy.
"I couldn't imagine the strength that it takes to do that," Allen said. "And for him to be that strong for himself and his family. I can't speak enough about it."
He continued, "He's a strong man."
