Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver and his family are mourning the death of his 2-year-old son following a drowning at the family’s Texas home.
New information released by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office provides additional details about the emergency response on June 28.
According to authorities, deputies responded that evening to an “in-progress life-in-danger call.” First responders were told that the 2-year-old child, also named Ed, had been found unresponsive in a swimming pool by his parents.
The toddler was transported to a hospital in Houston, Texas, where he was pronounced dead at 7:18 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office.
Oliver, 28, shares his son and daughter Eva with his longtime partner, Dymond Gladney.
The Buffalo Bills publicly acknowledged the family’s loss in a statement shared Saturday, offering condolences and continued support for Oliver and his loved ones.
“On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said. “It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss.”
NFL Network and ESPN reporter Cameron Wolfe also reported that a source said Oliver was asking for “privacy and prayers at this very difficult time.”
According to ESPN, the Bills had been aware of the incident since it occurred. Oliver has continued participating in team activities during training camp ahead of the 2026-27 NFL season.
The defensive tackle was selected ninth overall by Buffalo in the 2019 NFL Draft and has spent his entire professional career with the Bills.
Oliver previously spoke about the influence fatherhood has had on his life. During a September 2025 press conference, he credited his children with helping him mature both personally and professionally.
“I really attest a lot of my maturity and just my growth to my kids,” he said at the time, explaining that becoming a parent helped him develop greater patience and awareness.
As Oliver and his family navigate their loss, the Bills organization has emphasized that it will continue supporting them during what the team described as an “unthinkable tragedy.”
