‘I’m Sorry I Couldn’t Save You’: Ryan Mallett Girlfriend’s Heartfelt Goodbye After Drowning Death

Madison Carter and Ryan Mallett had just made their relationship public on Facebook on June 1, just weeks before his accidental drowning death of the former Baltimore Ravens quarterback.

Madison Carter was with Ryan Mallett last Tuesday near Destin, Florida, and now the girlfriend of the ex-NFLer has a public message regarding him and his death.

“I trust that God has a plan for everything, but I don’t think I will never understand why this happened. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, and I hope you know how hard I tried,” Carter wrote.

“Everyone knows how talented, dedicated, and passionate you were about the game of football. Those of us who were lucky enough to know your heart know that it was even bigger than your larger-than-life personality and stature. Nothing was ever about you, it was always about others. Multiple times, I heard you say ‘there are so many good people in this world,’ and that statement alone shows what kind of person you were. Always looking for the good.”

Carter and Mallett had just made their relationship public on Facebook on June 1, just weeks before his accidental drowning death.

“Words cannot convey how badly I miss you,” part of Carter’s Facebook post read. “I hope you know how loved you are. By myself, your amazing family, your friends, your teammates, your students, and countless others.

"I don’t know how I’ll ever get past this. But I’m so honored to love you and be loved by you. You changed my life, and I’m forever grateful for the time we had. No amount of time would have ever been enough. I love you, Ryan. Please watch over us. I can’t wait to see you again.”

Mallett was head coach of White Hall High School in Arkansas after serving as an assistant there since 2020. He was drafted out of Arkansas by New England in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Mallett played for the Ravens for parts of three seasons from 2015 to 2017, appearing in eight games, starting two. He threw for 648 yards on 70 completions, with four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Mallett was reportedly one of six people who struggled to make it back to shore, with the former Razorback standout being the only one to perish.

Last Thursday, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office released a video statement that said, in part, that there was "no indication of dangerous conditions,” refuting reports that riptides had contributed to the former NFL quarterback’s death. Destin was under a yellow flag at the time, meaning swim with caution.

“It just seems to be just a tragic accident and not something to do with the conditions of the surf or tides or currents.”

Destin Beach Safety personnel responded quickly to the scene when it was reported that one of the persons have submerged and failed to resurface. Three lifeguards entered the water and located Mallett and attempted life-saving measures.

Mallett was transported via ambulance to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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