The 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has now reportedly died following an alleged beating sustained earlier this week.
As New York Daily News reports, the boy died Friday at a Sioux Falls, S.D., hospital.
Peterson's son, who is as-of-yet unidentified, was taken to the hospital Wednesday evening when the child was reportedly found unresponsive. (Via The Washington Post)
The boy was in the care of his mother’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Joseph Robert Patterson, at the time.
According to The Argus Leader: "Patterson called 911 around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday to report the boy was choking at their Platinum Valley apartment. But Lt. Blaine Larsen of the Sioux Falls Police Department said it became clear at the hospital that the boy's injuries were not accidental."
Patterson was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and battery of an infant, although the charges could now change following the boy's death. He was being held on $750,000 bond. (Via CBS)
Patterson reportedly had a criminal record prior to his current arrest. According to USA Today: "Court records show that Patterson has a son with another Sioux Falls woman, and also show that the mother had asked for protection orders twice, claiming he'd choked and punched her, threatened her with a knife and held her in the bedroom against her will."
Adrian Peterson's father, Nelson, confirmed to St. Paul's Pioneer Press the child in question was Adrian Peterson's son, adding, "All I can say is, we are asking for prayers and for respect for our family as we deal with this tragic situation." He also confirmed the boy is not another one of the athlete's sons, Adrian Jr.
Peterson had initially said he planned to play in Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. No word yet on whether those plans have changed. (Via YouTube / Dan Patrick
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