Ed Oliver and family mourn death of Bills star's 2-year-old son
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver and his family are mourning the death of his 2-year-old son, who drowned in a swimming pool at their Texas home.
Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver and his family are mourning the tragic death of his 2-year-old son, who drowned in a swimming pool at their Texas home in late June, according to multiple reports. The news, which had remained private for nearly two months, was confirmed by the Bills organization on 22 August, sparking an outpouring of condolences from the NFL community.
The incident occurred on 28 June at the family’s residence in Huffman, Texas, near Houston, where the toddler, later identified as Ed Oliver III, was found unresponsive in a pool. Authorities described the case as an “open and active investigation” but did not file criminal charges. The child’s name was not officially disclosed by the team, though some reports referred to him as “Ed Oliver III,” a designation not confirmed by local authorities.
Oliver, 28, has requested privacy for his family during this “very difficult time,” a source close to him told ESPN and NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe. The Bills organization echoed this sentiment, with general manager Brandon Beane stating, “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 head coach Joe Brady expressed deep sympathy for Oliver, stating after a preseason game that he “can’t fathom what he’s going through.” Brady emphasized the team’s commitment to respecting Oliver’s privacy, adding, “As a coach, as a father, it’s my job to be there for what he needs from me right now. And that’s loving him and giving him the privacy he deserves.”
Quarterback Josh Allen also addressed the situation, expressing frustration over how the news was disclosed. “I’m very sad and angry” about the leak, Allen said, according to Yahoo Sports. The organization had not publicly connected the drowning to Oliver until the leak, despite property records indicating the family owned a home in the area where the incident occurred.
Oliver, a first-round draft pick in 2019, has continued preparing for his eighth NFL season. He attended training camp in July and played 10 snaps in the Bills’ 15 August preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. However, he has been sidelined this week due to an undisclosed injury, as reported by the Buffalo News. Coach Brady noted Oliver missed a joint practice with the Browns because of the injury.
The tragedy has drawn widespread sympathy from the NFL community, with players, coaches, and fans expressing condolences on social media. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office initially posted a brief Facebook note about the incident, stating, “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the toddler’s family during this incredibly difficult time. The investigation is ongoing.” Authorities have not released further details, citing the active nature of the case.
The delay in publicizing the news has raised questions about how and why the information was withheld. The Buffalo News previously noted that the team and sheriff’s office did not immediately confirm the connection between the drowning and Oliver, even as property records indicated the family’s presence in the area. Local authorities have since declined to comment on the matter.
As the NFL season approaches, Oliver’s return to full participation remains uncertain. The Bills have not specified when he might resume practice, but team officials have emphasized their commitment to supporting the player during this period of grief. For now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of Ed Oliver III and respecting the family’s need for privacy amid their loss.
