Our thoughts are with Todd Heap and his family after the former Baltimore Ravens player fatally hit his three-year-old daughter with a truck on Friday afternoon.
Mesa Police reported that the little girl was in the driveway of their suburban Phoenix home when Heap went to move his vehicle forward, striking her. She was taken to a local hospital where she later died.
Officials have ruled out impairment and said that there were no suspicious circumstances to the incident.
Heap played ten seasons with the Ravens and spent two years with Arizona before an injury forced his retirement midway through only his second season with the team.
On Saturday morning, the Cardinals released a team statement regarding the tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to Todd, Ashley and the Heap family. It is a grief that is beyond words and one which no family should ever experience. Hopefully the prayers, love and support of their incredible group of friends and family provide them comfort that along with their strong faith will leave them through this unspeakably difficult time.”
Other members of the NFL community also gave their condolences.
Cannot stop thinking of Todd Heap & his family. It's pain that is literally unimaginable; the mind doesn't even let you go there.
? ? ?— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) April 15, 2017
Prayers go out to Todd Heap and his family! Very sad situation
— Antoine Bethea (AB41) (@ABethea41) April 15, 2017
Praying for the Heap family during this tragic time. May God bring them strength ????
— Ottis OJ Anderson (@OJAnderson24) April 15, 2017
I am saddened to hear of the tragic news surrounding the Heap family. My thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time.
— Bruce Arians (@BruceArians) April 15, 2017
Heap and his wife Ashley have four other children.