Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (L) talks over defensive formations with Todd Heap (R). File photo by Art Foxall/UPI |
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April 15 (UPI) -- A tragic scene unfolded Friday in Mesa, Ariz., when former NFL tight end Todd Heap accidentally hit and killed his 3-year-old daughter while he moved his truck.
Mesa police said the little girl died at a local hospital after being struck at the family home. Impairment was not a factor in the accident, according to police.
The incident occurred near Eagle Crest Drive and Las Sendas Mountain Drive before 4 p.m., according to ABC 15 Arizona.
The 37-year-old Heap was a two-time Pro Bowl selection. He was inducted into the Baltimore Ravens' Ring of Honor in 2014.
Heap is a native of Mesa and played for Arizona State before entering the NFL. He played 10 years for the Ravens and two years for the Arizona Cardinals before retiring in 2012.
"We cannot imagine the heartbreak and sorrow Todd and Ashley's family feels right now. This is knee-buckling news and overwhelmingly sad tragedy," the Ravens said in a statement.
"Our prayers, our thoughts and our hearts are with the Heaps, who have contributed so much to the Ravens and Baltimore community. We believe their deep faith and tremendous support from friends and family will help them through this unimaginable time."
"Our hearts go out to Todd, Ashley and the Heap family," the Cardinals said in a statement. "t 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."
Heap's daughter was the youngest of his five children.