A stunt gone horribly wrong, a gut-wrenching motorcycle crash, and a potential conspiracy
that took the life of one NFL player on the side of a Florida highway.
These athletes died too young in terrible ways.
On June 27, 2023, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's office announced that it was probing a drowning
incident in Destin, Florida.
The department claimed that a number of tourists found it hard to get back ashore while swimming
at the beach, and all but one man made it out.
Despite attempts at resuscitation, the victim, who was later identified as former NFL quarterback
Ryan Mallett, died by drowning.
Yellow flags were up during the afternoon mishap, an indicator that the beach was moderately
rip current-safe.
At the time of his death, Mallett was serving as the lead football coach at White Hall High
School in White Hall, Arkansas.
Following the confirmation of his passing, the institution put out a statement via Facebook
that read,
"It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett.
Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator.
We ask that you remember his family, team, students, fellow coaches, and the White Hall
School District staff in your prayers."
Condolence messages poured in for Mallett's family from his former teams, the New England
Patriots and Baltimore Ravens, as well as his fans, who were devastated by his demise.
"An NFL player and former TCU star has died in a fiery car crash near downtown Dallas."
In May 2022, nearly two months after NFL cornerback Jeff Gladney had sealed a two-year deal with
the Arizona Cardinals, he was reported dead.
According to the Dallas County Sheriff's office, Gladney was driving in a white Mercedes with
his girlfriend when he hit another vehicle from behind.
The contact led to loss of control, after which the car struck a concrete pillar and
landed upside down before bursting into flames.
He was 25 at the time of the accident.
Gladney's friends and colleagues were quick to express their grief via social media.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Reagor wrote on Twitter:
"Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man... ain't too much more I can take
man damn!
R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please."
In a 2010 interview with GQ, Kobe Bryant revealed that he preferred helicopters to other types
of transport.
It was one of the perks of being an elite sports star with a large bank account.
Tragically though, at 41 the former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard died in a helicopter
crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant, and seven others.
Reports indicated that Kobe was headed to the since-renamed Mamba Sports Academy before
the catastrophic crash.
The tragedy led to the development of the Kobe and Gianna Helicopter Safety Act, aimed
at tightening helicopter safety rules.
Kobe was a legend on the court who left behind an untouchable legacy, and an outpouring of
grief from his family, former teammates, colleagues, and fans followed in the weeks after the heartbreaking
incident.
"And as I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be."
In January 2023, pro rally driver and stuntman Ken Block lost his life following a snowmobile
accident near Park City, Utah, where he resided.
A Facebook post by the Wasatch County Sheriff's office indicated that Block's snowmobile turned
upside down and fell on him.
He died at the scene.
Ken was survived by his wife, Lucy Block, and three children.
His daughter Lia shared in part via Instagram.
"No words can describe how much of an amazing human my dad was.
He lived so many lives, accomplished more in 55 years than most people could in 10 lifetimes,
and lived his life to the absolute fullest every single day."
A petition was started to rename April 3rd "4-3 Day" in honor of Block's racing number,
43.
29-year-old up-and-coming mixed martial arts star Sherry Schmidt was also a motorbike enthusiast
who was passionate about her craft.
On June 6, 2023, Schmidt's fellow MMA fighter Ryan Kim Cafaro posted the heartbreaking news
that she had passed, saying:
"Please RT for my dear friend Sherry who we lost in a tragic car accident yesterday morning.
She was a beaming light of positivity and joy and a passionate and ferocious fighter.
I will miss her every day till my last day."
The sad news was further confirmed by Beacon Mixed Martial Arts Academy, with whom Schmidt
was affiliated.
The facility highlighted Schmidt's bright persona, industrious attitude and ability
to make the most out of life.
On June 6, 2023, three-time X-Games medalist Pat Casey died after losing control of a motocross
bike.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department announced in a press release that the disastrous
accident had happened while Casey attempted a jump at the Slayground Motocross Park in
Ramona, resulting in an instant death.
Pat was survived by his wife, Chase Casey, his daughter, and his son, who'd also taken
up the sport.
"Today, Pat Casey is being remembered as a loving father and incredible BMX rider."
In an emotional tribute shared on Instagram, Chase wrote in part:
"Our love story was cut short on earth and I don't know if I'll ever be okay with that..
but I find comfort in knowing that nothing was left unsaid and that I will see you soon.
You are my rock, always have been and always will be."
Pat's BMX counterpart T.J.
Lavin joined friends and fans in honoring the late athlete, writing:
"The world lost one of the baddest to ever do it.
I'm so sorry for his wife and kids.
@patcaseybmx will forever be remembered for the down to earth sweetheart of a guy that
he was."
On June 12, 2023, Olympic ski jumper Patrick Gasienica was reported to have been involved
in a grisly motorcycle accident in Bull Valley, Illinois.
24-year-old Gasienica was riding down the road when he lost control and missed the centerline.
An oncoming truck halted before a clash happened, but Gasienica sadly wound up under its front
end.
He was declared deceased at the Northwestern Medicine Hospital.
Around the time of his demise, he was looking toward a career change, as indicated on his
obituary, which read in part:
"He relished the opportunity to learn new skills alongside his dear friends, finding
joy in the journey of personal and professional growth.
Patrick's infectious love for life was evident in his cherished pastimes, including golfing,
skiing, and sharing laughter-filled moments with his friends."
In April 2022, former Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins was hit and killed
by a dump truck on a Florida highway.
A pharmacological analysis indicated that Haskins had alcohol in his system during the
accident, in addition to displaying positive results for anesthetics.
Dwayne reportedly had an unidentified female in the car, and had stepped out to get gas
before he met his ill-timed death.
Haskins' wife filed a lawsuit to contest the circumstances surrounding her late husband's
death, citing foul play.
The lawsuit alleged that the truck in question was fast-moving, overloaded, and had faulty
brakes.
The law firm representing her also stated:
"It is believed that Dwayne was targeted and drugged as part of a blackmail and robbery
conspiracy."