Adrian Peterson’s son, who was hospitalized after being severely beaten and choked, has died of his injuries, according to local media. The suspect in the case, Joseph Robert Patterson, was arrested earlier this week.
The son, who was not identified, was allegedly assaulted by Patterson, 27, of Sioux Falls, S.D. Patterson is the live-in boyfriend of the mother of Peterson’s child.
Minneapolis-based KARE-11 reported that Peterson’s son “has passed” away at around 5:20 p.m. EST. KTSP also confirmed that the boy died.
The name of the 2-year-old boy was not released. TMZ reported that the boy is not Adrian Peterson Jr., who is often photographed with the running back.
Peterson went to Sioux Falls on Thursday and missed practice with the Minnesota Vikings.
He issued a statement to the media on Friday about the matter.
“I really appreciate all the support that I’ve been receiving from fans, the Vikings organization,” Peterson said. “This is a private matter and I would ask you all to please just respect my privacy and not ask at all about the situation at hand. Thanks,” according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Peterson’s father, Nelson Peterson, confirmed with the Pioneer-Press that the son belonged to the Vikings running back.
“All I can say is, we are asking for prayers and for respect for our family as we deal with this tragic situation,” he told the paper.
After the assault, the boy was placed on life support after he had no brain activity for more than a day.
Patterson was charged with aggravated felony assault and infant battery.
