New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon and his wife, Anna, are mourning the death of their newborn son, Peter James Raridon, the couple announced this week.
Peter, who was born on Sept. 11, never came home from the hospital, according to an announcement the couple shared on social media.
The Raridons said they learned during a 20-week anatomy scan that their son had anencephaly, a severe birth defect that prevents parts of the brain and skull from developing normally. The condition is considered fatal, and there is currently no cure or treatment.
“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,” read their Instagram post.
“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.
“We may never understand the why behind this journey, but one thing we know with certainty is that God promises to care for His children.
“I believe our little boy was lovingly knitted together in the womb by God, knowing how deeply he would be loved by our families, our friends, Eli, and me.
“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.”
The couple tied the knot in May 2025 and announced their pregnancy in March of this year. Their son, Peter, was their first child.
“Half me, half you— fearfully & wonderfully made, thank you Jesus!!! baby Raridon arriving this fall,” read their social media announcement at the time.
Eli Raridon entered the NFL as a third-round pick by New England in the 2026 draft. The 22-year-old tight end played his college football at Notre Dame before beginning his professional career with the Patriots.
During his four seasons at Notre Dame, Raridon appeared in 40 games, including 18 starts, and finished his college career with 48 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns.
New England’s official roster lists him at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. So far, he has appeared in two games for the Patriots this season, recording two receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.
