NFL Family Mourning the Loss of Eagles HC Andy Reid’s Eldest Son

Eagles General Manager, Howie Roseman said on Sunday, “I have some heartbreaking news to share with you all. It is with great sadness that I tell you that Garrett Reid, the oldest son of Coach Reid, was found dead this morning in his room here at training camp. This is a tough morning for all of us in the Eagles family.”

Garrett was pronounced dead by Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek after a call to 911 was made  to Leigh University police about an unresponsive male in the Sayre Park dorms.  Upon their arrival police attempt to revive Garrett, but were unsuccessful.

“Garrett grew up with this team and this makes this news even harder for us to process,” Roseman continued. “Our hearts go out to Andy, [wife] Tammy, [sons] Britt, Spencer, [daughters] Crosby and Drew Ann. Coach has spent the morning informing his family. We ask sincerely that you respect the family’s privacy during this time”

“I can tell you that Andy has asked that we go forward with training camp,”said Roseman. “On a personal note, we’ve been with Andy for a long time. He’s always been strong for us. We’re going to be strong for him right now. As a father and a friend, we’re all hurting. Thank you.”

The Philadelphia media first became alarmed when the Eagles head coach didn’t show up for practice.  The last time Reid missed a practice was to attend a court hearing  with Garrett after he was arrested on drugs and weapons charges. Garrett wound up serving 23 months in jail after smashing up another motorist’s car while on heroin.

Earlier on Sunday, Eagles safety Kurt Coleman tweeted before practice,  “Prayers and condolences go out.  May God protect us and serve us in this time of need.”

“This news is heartbreaking for everyone in the Eagles family. Our hearts go out to Andy, his wife, Tammy, and their children,” said Eagles the Chairman/CEO in a written statement.

 

Other Thoughts Poured in from Around the NFL

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell:

“We are deeply saddened by the news about Garrett Reid. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy, Tammy and their family. We will support them and the Eagles in any way we can through this difficult time.”

 

Mike and Kathy Holmgren:

“Andy and Tammy have been great friends to us for many years.  Our prayers are with them and their family during this very difficult time.”

 

Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy, Tammy and the entire Reid family.  Those of us who worked so long in Philadelphia knew Garrett very well.  Andy is a friend and mentor to many of us here at the Browns and we all are thinking about him and his family during this tragic time.”

 

Saints Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo:

“Maria and I are greatly saddened by this unexpected news. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Andy, Tammy and their family during this very difficult time.”

 

Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt:

“All of us in the NFL community send our deepest sympathy and condolences to Andy & Tammy. We share their grief and are ready to support them in any way possible during what is obviously an incredibly difficult time for them and their family.”

 

Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb:

“Anyone that’s been around Andy for any amount of time knows how important family is and how much his kids mean to him. This is devastating news. My heart goes out to Andy and Tammy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of them right now.”

 

Colts GM Ryan Grigson:

“I am deeply saddened by this tragic news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Reid family. They are a special family led by two extremely strong and loving parents in Coach and his wife Tammy. I ask that the entire Colt’s nation and football fans everywhere lift Coach Reid and his family up in prayer during this difficult time.”

 

Donovan McNabb:

“I was both shocked and saddened when I heard the news this morning of Garrett’s passing. During my time [in Philadelphia], both Garrett and Britt spent a lot of time around the football team and I know how much Andy loves them. I spent a lot of time with Andy and his family; we had a great friendship … we still do. My heart goes out to Andy, Tammy and the rest of the Reid family. I cannot imagine what they are feeling right now. God be with them.”

 

Joe Banner:

“Words cannot express my sadness upon hearing the tragic news this morning. I’ve known Garrett since he was a teenager and saw him grow up amongst the Eagles family. It’s hard to comprehend how heartbreaking it must feel to lose a child. My deepest condolences go out to Andy, Tammy and their entire family.”

Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin

“The loss of a child and a sibling is absolutely devastating to a family.  Our hearts go out to Andy and Tammy Reid as they mourn the loss of their precious son, Garrett.  We will keep them and their other children, Britt, Spencer, Crosby and Drew Ann, in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.”

Seattle GM John Schneider 

On behalf of Mr. Allen and the Seahawks family, we are saddened to hear about the passing of Andy Reid’s son, Garrett. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reid family and the Eagles organization during this emotional time.