Wife of Patriots rookie Eli Raridon announces death of couple’s son

New England Patriots

“While we are absolutely devastated that we were unable to bring our little boy home, I am grateful that we loved him deeply,” Anna Raridon wrote.

Anna Raridon, wife of Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon, announced the loss of the couple’s first child Tuesday afternoon.

“Our angel, Peter James Raridon, was born on September 11,” reads Anna’s Instagram account. “When Eli and I went for our 20-week anatomy exam, thrilled to see our adorable baby boy, our hearts were forever changed.”

“Our little one was diagnosed with anencephaly, a life-threatening condition in which he would not survive outside the womb. Although we are absolutely devastated that we were unable to bring our little boy home, I am grateful to have loved him deeply, kept him safe, and been his home for the last nine months before he was called back to heaven.”

Anna announced her pregnancy in a post on March 31.

“Half me, half you – fearfully and wonderfully done, thank you Jesus!!! baby Raridon is coming this fall,” she wrote.

She said in Tuesday’s post that she was leaning on her faith during this time.

“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 closest to Him,” Anna wrote. “We may never understand the reason for this journey, but one thing we know for sure is that God promises to take care of his children. »

“I believe our little boy was lovingly woven in his mother’s womb by God, knowing how deeply he would be loved by our families, our friends, Eli and I. Although his time with us was brief, his life still precious, his purpose still meaningful, and he will always be a part of our story.”

She shared Bible verses from the books of Peter and James in the post, along with photos of the couple and other images.

1 Peter 1:5-7 “who by the power of God are kept through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last times,” the message reads. “In this you rejoice, although now, for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than the gold which perishes by it is tested by fire—may result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. »

The couple celebrated their wedding in May 2025. Peter was the couple’s first child.

The Patriots selected Eli Raridon in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end caught a touchdown pass in the Patriots’ season opener in Seattle earlier this month. He also had a 30-yard catch in New England’s win over Pittsburgh. He was inactive last week against the Jaguars due to a hamstring injury.

Khari A. Thompson

Sports journalist

Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.