Patriots rookie Eli Raridon announces death of newborn son after fatal diagnosis

New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon and his wife, Anna, announced the death of their newborn son on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

The couple shared a post on Instagram and announced after going in for a 20-week checkup, their son had been diagnosed with anencephaly.

"While we are absolutely devastated that we were unable to bring our baby 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,” Anna wrote on Instagram.

“Though his time with us was brief, his life still precious, his purpose still meaningful, and he will forever be a part of our story,” she added, expressing her grief.

Anencephaly, defined as a fatal birth defect, occurs when the foetal brain and skull don't develop as expected, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The condition is usually fatal.

The couple got married last May.

The Patriots picked Raridon during the third round of the NFL Draft earlier this year from Notre Dame.

This season, he appeared in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks and recorded two catches for 32 yards and a touchdown.

The Patriots lost to the Seahawks 13-10.

However, he did not appear in the week 3 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a thigh injury.

The Patriots, at 1-2, the season will face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, October 4, in New York.