Bills' Ed Oliver Mourns Death of 2-Year-Old Son in Drowning Accident

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver is grieving the loss of his 2-year-old son, Ed Oliver III, who drowned in a swimming pool at the family's home in Huffman, Texas, near Houston, on June 28. The tragedy remained private for nearly two months before the Bills organization confirmed it publicly on Saturday, August 22, with a statement from general manager Brandon Beane.

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a life-in-danger call at Oliver's home on the evening of June 28. First responders were told that the child's parents had found him unresponsive in the pool. The toddler was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:18 p.m., just shy of his second birthday. Authorities did not identify the child at the time, and the investigation is ongoing.

Team and Teammates Respond

In a statement released Saturday, Beane expressed the organization's condolences: "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. It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss."

Oliver has asked for privacy and prayers during this difficult time, according to a source close to him who spoke to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe. The Bills organization has been aware of the incident since it occurred and was in alignment with Oliver on how details were revealed, per ESPN.

Oliver, who is entering his eighth season with the Bills, reported for training camp on time in July, one month after the tragedy. He appeared in the team's preseason-opening 29-14 win over Carolina last weekend but did not practice this week due to an undisclosed injury. He also did not travel with the team for Saturday's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns.

Josh Allen Speaks Out

Quarterback Josh Allen, who welcomed his first child in April, addressed the tragedy and the way news of it became public during a press conference on Saturday. "First off, I want to say thank you to the ones that knew about it, and allowed him to have his moment and his time. It's very sad," Allen said. "And, you know how it came out — it makes me very, very sad and angry at the same time."

Allen added, "As a teammate of [Ed] and as someone in this locker room, all we can do is love on him. There's nothing that you can say to make the situation any better but except being there for him in whatever ways he needs. And that's what we're going to continue to do. That's what teammates do."

Head coach Joe Brady also offered support, saying, "I'm a parent and, ever since I found out the news, I can't fathom what he's going through. There's really not words to describe the situation in those moments."

News Leak and Reactions

The death was first reported by TMZ on Saturday morning, after social media speculation began Friday night. Tony Farmer, a podcaster with about 24,000 X followers, leaked news of the death earlier in the week, prompting criticism from many, including Allen. Numerous Bills reporters who knew about the tragedy chose not to report it out of respect for Oliver and his family.

Allen expressed frustration over the leak, saying, "It's very unfortunate how it came about. I appreciate [those] that knew and didn't want to bring it up. It's no one's place to really let that out there except him and his family's when the time came for it."

Background on Ed Oliver

Ed Oliver, 28, was selected by the Bills with the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Houston. He has spent his entire NFL career in Buffalo, recording 243 tackles and 30 sacks. He has a daughter, Ava, and shares a daughter, Eva, with his partner, Dymond Gladney. Oliver also has an older brother, Marcus, and his parents are Dana and Ed Oliver Sr.

Oliver's 2025 season was cut short by a torn left biceps suffered in Week 8, which required surgery. He attended training camp for the 2026 season and was participating in team activities before his recent injury.

Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation

The Harris County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook on the evening of the incident, saying, "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the toddler's family during this incredibly difficult time. The investigation is ongoing." A sheriff's official told the Associated Press on Saturday that a report was not immediately available.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that deputies responded to the life-in-danger call on the 500 block of Lago Trace Drive in Huffman, Texas. The child was transported to a hospital and pronounced deceased. At least one other child at the home was not injured.

As Oliver and his family continue to mourn, the Bills organization and his teammates have emphasized their commitment to supporting him. Allen said, "There's nothing you can say. There's nothing that you can do. You have to look at someone and just be there."