NFL star Ryan Mallett's ex-wife has broken her silence days after the former quarterback drowned in the waters of a notorious Florida beach.
On Thursday, A heartbroken Tiffany Seeley thanked those who reached out to her following Mallett's death on June 27.
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"Just want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out. My heart breaks for everyone," Seeley shared on an Instagram story on Thursday.
Seeley and Mallett married in June 2020 before filing for divorce four months later, according to OutKick.
A group of about 12 people, including Mallett, were swimming in the ocean just off the beach in Destin, Florida, about 56 miles west of Panama City, on Tuesday.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said the group was caught in a riptide, and Mallett went under the water.
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The former Arkansas quarterback was not breathing when lifeguards pulled him up.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he was declared dead.
Mallett lived in Arkansas and was vacationing in Florida with his new girlfriend, Madison Carter, according to local Fox affiliate KNWA.
The NFL star's death comes after seven people died over a nine-day period in June in nearby Panama City Beach, another Gulf Coast town about 50 miles from where Mallett drowned.
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A total of 12 people have died within two weeks along the Gulf of Mexico despite repeated warnings about dangerous water conditions.
Panama City Beach has been dubbed the deadliest beach in America, according to data collected by Orlando Fox affiliate WOFL.
TRAGIC WARNING
The staggering numbers have enraged some law enforcement officials, including Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford, who claimed first responders were put at considerable risk to save the lives of beachgoers who ignored riptide warnings, per Fox News.
"I’m beyond frustrated at the situation that we have with tragic and unnecessary deaths in the Gulf," Ford wrote in a Facebook post.
"I have watched while deputies, firefighters, and lifeguards have risked their lives to save strangers.
"I have seen strangers die trying to save their children and loved ones, including two fathers on (Father’s Day)."
The sheriff continued: "These same heroes, who have risked it all to save others, have been cursed and given the finger, while trying to warn visitors of the life-threatening dangers."
Ford explained that a double red flag is issued for dangerous conditions in the water, and those who enter the ocean anyways are fined $500 if officers catch them.
"We have used the tools provided by the county commission to fine violators $500 for entering the water on double red flags," he said.
"We don’t have the resources or time to cite every single person that enters the water but we do our absolute best to use it as a deterrent to entering the water. An arrest is only authorized upon a second offense unless the individual resists law enforcement."
He warned beachgoers to "use caution" every time they enter waters around The Gulf of Mexico.
"Personal responsibility is the only way to ensure that no one else dies," Ford wrote.
"Please make the effort to know the flag status and stay completely out of the water."
'A GREAT MAN'
Mallett played six seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots in the 2011 Draft.
He was a backup quarterback from 2011 to 2017 for the Patriots, Houston Texans, and the Baltimore Ravens.
His former teammate and NFL legend, Tom Brady, shared a touching tribute to his former teammate on his Instagram story, writing: "We lost a great man. Thank you for everything Ryan.
Former defensive end J.J. Watt, who played with Mallett for the Texans, tweeted: "Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace brother."
"Praying for the Mallett family and all their loved ones tonight."
Ex-NFL star QB Robert Griffin III shared: "Send a prayer up for Ryan's family and loved ones during this tragic time."
The University of Arkansas, where Mallett set 16 school records, also released a statement following the news of his death.
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"We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett," read the statement on Twitter.
"He was a Razorback legend with larger-than-life talent and a personality to match. He led our program to some of our best moments in recent memory. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Debbie and his extended family."
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