Former NFL hopeful Patrick Murtagh and his partner, social media influencer Hannah Orval, have announced the stillbirth of their first child, Meelo Michael Murtagh. The couple shared the news on social media, describing the devastating loss.
"Meelo Michael Murtagh, born into this big world early and sleeping," Orval wrote on Instagram. "He will forever be the biggest missing piece of the rest of our story." She described the time the couple spent with their son as "irreplaceable" and stated they were "absolutely devastated, but forever our biggest achievement in life."
The couple announced they were expecting their first child in May. Murtagh, 26, transitioned from Australian football to play tight end in the United States. He was assigned to the Lions in 2023 through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, but an undisclosed medical issue ended his time with the team. He later joined the Jaguars in April 2024 via the same program but sustained an ankle injury during training camp and was waived in May 2025. Murtagh most recently joined the Broncos’ practice squad in August 2025 under an international player exemption. He did not play in an NFL regular-season game during his stints with these organizations.
Murtagh and Orval shared photos from the hospital as they mourned their son's loss.