Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver has been carrying a profound personal loss for the past two months. His 2 year old son died in a drowning accident in June, a tragedy that became public on Saturday.

The loss has brought mourning throughout the Bills organization and across Western New York. The region has embraced the team as family, and that sense of connection has deepened the grief surrounding Oliver and his loved ones.

The Bills released a statement on Saturday after Oliver's situation became public through speculation on social media. The organization expressed its condolences while making clear that it would continue standing beside Oliver and his family.

"On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son," a statement from Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane reads.

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"It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss."

Oliver's son, who was also named Ed, died at the family ranch near Houston in Harris County, Texas. He was found unresponsive in the pool on June 28 and was pronounced dead.

The defensive lineman did not travel with the Bills to Cleveland for Saturday's preseason game against the Browns. His absence came as the team and the broader community learned about the devastating circumstances his family has faced.

According to the team, Oliver has also been dealing with an unspecified injury. That injury caused him to miss practice over the past few days, although it did not prevent him from continuing to be around the team.

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Oliver and his family are asking for privacy and prayers during this difficult time, a source said. The Bills have likewise emphasized their continuing support as Oliver and his loved ones grieve.

Oliver has played for Buffalo since 2019, when the Bills selected him in the first round. The organization drafted him to strengthen the interior of its defensive line, and he has since become a staple of that unit.

His contributions have included his work in run defense as well as 30 sacks. Over his time in Buffalo, he has maintained a prominent role on the defensive front.

Oliver was photographed warming up before a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York, on August 29, 2019. That appearance came during his first year with the Bills.

He was also pictured reacting after a sack against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on November 17, 2019, in Miami, Florida. The moment reflected his early contributions to Buffalo's defense.

Another image showed Oliver colliding with New York Jets quarterback Mike White during the first half of an NFL football game. That game was played on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Now, however, the attention surrounding Oliver is focused on the overwhelming loss confronting his family. The Bills have publicly joined them in mourning while offering support through what Beane described as an unthinkable tragedy.

Western New York is mourning alongside Oliver, his family, and the organization. As the painful circumstances have become public, the family's request remains for privacy and prayers during this difficult time.