Bills tackle Ed Oliver’s son has died, team announces

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver is grieving the death of his 2-year-old son, the team confirmed on Saturday. The tragedy occurred in June, when the child was found unresponsive in a residential pool in Harris County, Texas. The child, also named Ed, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Buffalo Bills organization expressed their condolences through a statement issued by general manager Brandon Beane, who described the loss as “an unthinkable tragedy for any parent.” The team pledged continued support for Oliver and his family during this difficult time. According to reports, the incident took place on June 28, when a toddler was discovered unresponsive in a pool located in a neighborhood near Houston. A person familiar with the situation, speaking to The Associated Press under conditions of anonymity, confirmed that the child was found in the pool and later pronounced dead. The Harris County Sheriff’s Department shared a brief message on its Facebook page that evening, acknowledging the tragic nature of the incident and stating that the investigation into the cause of death was ongoing. At the time, the department did not provide further details, citing the need for privacy and the sensitivity of the case. Oliver, 28, is currently in his eighth season with the Buffalo Bills, having been selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Houston. He has been a key member of the team’s defense, known for his strength and versatility on the field. However, he has not participated in practices this week due to an unspecified injury. On August 20, he attended the Bills’ preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, appearing with the starting lineup in a 29-14 victory. Despite his absence from recent practice sessions, the team has remained supportive of his personal circumstances. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the incident, confirming that deputies were called to the scene following a report of a toddler found unresponsive in a pool. According to statements made by officials at the time, the child was taken to a nearby hospital and declared dead. While the sheriff’s office did not identify the victim, property records indicated that the location matched an address associated with Oliver. This connection was noted in subsequent media coverage, though no direct confirmation from Oliver or his representatives has been provided. NBC News reported that the team did not disclose the specific cause of death, maintaining a respectful stance toward the family’s privacy. The report highlighted that the incident occurred in June, with the sheriff’s office responding to a call involving a toddler found in a pool. The details remain limited, with the sheriff’s office declining to release additional information until further notice. NBC has sought comments from both the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Oliver’s representatives, but no updates have been released as of yet. Oliver, who hails from Houston and played college football for the Houston Cougars, has built a career in the NFL since joining the Bills in 2019. His presence on the team has been notable, particularly in the defensive line, where he has contributed significantly to the team’s efforts. As the team prepares for the upcoming regular season, the focus remains on supporting Oliver and his family during this challenging period. The Bills have emphasized their commitment to standing by him, underscoring the importance of community and solidarity in times of grief.