The drowning death of Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver's 2-year-old son, also named Ed, has been ruled accidental, and the investigation is now closed, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. No charges will be filed in connection with the toddler's death.
The tragedy occurred on June 28 at the Oliver family's home in Texas. Police responded to a call reporting a life-threatening emergency, and the child was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:18 p.m. The Harris County Sheriff's Office's Homicide Division oversaw the investigation.
News of the incident was first leaked by podcaster Tony Farmer on Friday, with TMZ reporting the details Saturday morning. Oliver, 28, was reportedly seen speaking with officials outside his home shortly after the incident and was visibly distressed.
The Buffalo Bills organization has expressed its condolences. "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," Bills General Manager Brandon Beane said in a statement. "It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss."
Bills quarterback Josh Allen commented on the manner in which the news 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," Allen said. "It’s very sad in how it came out. It makes me very sad and angry at the same time. Obviously, very unfortunate what happened and as a teammate of him, as someone in this locker room, all we can do is love on him. There’s nothing that you can say to make the situation any better except being there in whatever ways he needs."
Oliver, who has played his entire NFL career with the Bills after being selected with the No. 9 pick in the 2019 draft, is requesting privacy and prayers during this difficult time, according to a source close to him.