Patriots tight end Eli Raridon and wife Anna share heartbreaking news of the death of their baby boy
Patriots’ Eli Raridon and Wife Share Heart‑breaking Loss of Their Infant Son
Woburn, Mass. – New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon is expected to report to work on Wednesday, though the team and fans know the rookie’s return will come with a heavy heart. On Tuesday, Raridon and his wife, Anna, posted a sad announcement on social media, revealing that their baby boy died at around 20 weeks of gestation after being diagnosed with anencephaly, a fatal birth defect that prevents the brain’s forebrain and cerebrum from developing.
The couple’s Instagram story described how, during the 20‑week anatomy scan, the couple’s excitement turned to devastating shock when they learned their son would not survive outside the womb. Anna wrote: “While we are absolutely devastated that we were unable to bring our baby boy home, I am grateful to have loved him deeply, kept him safe, and had been his home for the past 9 months before he was called back to Heaven.” She added that her faith has become a source of comfort: “I have often found it easy to glorify the Lord when life is going well, but it is in our deepest trials that we are drawn closest to Him.”
The diagnosis was confirmed by the medical team at the hospital where the Raridons were receiving prenatal care. Anencephaly is a rare neural‑tube defect that typically results in stillbirth or death within hours or days after birth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of anencephaly is about 1 in 4,762 live births – roughly 0.02 % of all births.
The Raridons noted that while the chance of recurrence in future pregnancies is higher—between 2 % and 5 %—there is still a 95 % to 98 % probability that the couple will not experience the condition again.
The couple’s announcement also included a heartfelt message to their son: “I have loved you every second of your life and will miss you every second of mine. What a sweet sweet reunion ours will be.” They have shared passages from the Bible, including 1 Peter 1:5‑7 and James 1:2‑4, to illustrate the comfort they find in their faith.
The news has reached fans and teammates alike. Patriots coach Bill Belichick released a brief statement expressing sympathy, while teammates have posted condolences on social media. Raridon’s expected return to training camp is being managed with sensitivity to the rookie’s emotional state.
For the Raridons, the loss is a profound personal tragedy, but they are turning to their faith and community support for strength. Their story highlights the human side of professional athletes and the universal experience of grief. The Patriots organization has pledged to support the Raridons in any way possible as they navigate this difficult period.