CLEVELAND (AP) — The Buffalo Bills are giving defensive tackle Ed Oliver support and space following the accidental death of his 2-year-old son.
Oliver has been grieving throughout training camp and many of his teammates only learned of the tragic accident on Friday. Following Saturday's 31-7 preseason win over the Browns, Bills quarterback Josh Allen said the team is standing with Oliver.
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“Obviously, very unfortunate what happened and as a teammate of him, as someone in this locker room, all we can do is love on him,” Allen said. "There’s nothing that you can say to make the situation any better except being there in whatever ways he needs.
“That’s what we’re going to continue to do. That’s what teammates do. You love up on each other when we’re down, and I can’t imagine what he’s going through. But the way that he’s dealt with it has been unbelievable.”
Oliver has asked for privacy and prayers while still mourning his son, who was also named Ed. The toddler was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in a residential pool in Harris County, Texas, on June 28, a person briefed on what happened told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the team and player have not revealed that information.
Without providing many details including names or ages, the Harris County Sheriff’s department posted a note on its Facebook account that evening regarding the drowning of a toddler in a neighborhood community north of Houston.
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the toddler’s family during this incredibly difficult time. The investigation is ongoing,” the post read.
A sheriff’s official told The Associated Press on Saturday that a report was not immediately available.
Before Saturday's game, Bills general manager Brandon Beane issued a statement expressing his and the organization’s condolences.
“It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we grieve this tragic loss,” Beane said.
Bills first-year coach Joe Brady was equally compassionate toward Oliver, who is in his eighth season with Buffalo.
“Ever since I found out the news, I can’t fathom what he’s going through," Brady said. "As a coach and a father, there really aren’t words to describe it. It’s all about us loving him and giving him the privacy that he deserves.
“It’s hard when I see him. I don’t have the words, but all I can do is support him in whatever way he needs.”
The 28-year-old Oliver was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Houston.
Oliver reported for training camp on time last month and appeared with the starters in the Bills' preseason-opening 29-14 win over Carolina last weekend. He has not practiced this week because of an undisclosed injury.
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Wawrow reported from Buffalo, New York.
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