Mesa, Arizona police are continuing an ongoing investigation after former Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals tight end Todd Heap accidentally killed his three-year-old daughter Friday. Local police responded to at approximately 3:45 p.m. and were told the girl was in the driveway of Heap’s gated community when Heap struck her while moving his truck. She was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
Heap was selected out of Arizona State with the 31st pick and spent 10 seasons with the Ravens. The Arizona native was an All-Pro tight end selection in 2003, and he was inducted into the Ravens Ring of Honor in 2014. Heap played both the 2011 and 2012 seasons for the Arizona Cardinals before retiring.
The Ravens expressed their sympathy via an official team statement.
Statement from the Baltimore Ravens organization: pic.twitter.com/P6arCBU7mP
“We cannot imagine the heartbreak and sorrow Todd and Ashley’s family feels right now,” the statement read in part. “This is knee-buckling news and an overwhelmingly sad tragedy.”
The Cardinals also released an official team statement.
Team statement on the Heap tragedy. pic.twitter.com/cRx3nVFvOc
"Our hearts go out to Todd, Ashley and the Heap Family," the statement read. "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 lead them through this unspeakably difficult time."
NFL players such as J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans and Willie Snead of the New Orleans Saints also expressed their condolences.
Absolutely gutted for Todd Heap and his family. Thoughts are with them in this incredibly tough time.
Prayers For Todd Heap & His Family 🙏🏽🙏🏽 May God Comfort You in this Tragic Time
Praying for Todd Heap and his family 🙏🏾🙏🏾
According to information obtained by both ESPN and the Arizona Republic, Heap showed no signs of impairment during the incident.
