On Tuesday, the New England Patriots confirmed the tragic death of former Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett. Many of his former coaches and players posted tributes to the Patriots' 2011 third-round pick following the news, but on Sunday night, his girlfriend, Madison Carter, made her first public statement since his death. 

The two were together in Florida when Mallett drowned. He was pronounced dead after being transported to a Florida hospital from a beach. 

Carter posted a long tribute to Mallett on Facebook. 

"I trust that God has a plan for everything, but I don’t think I will ever understand why this happened. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, and I hope you know how hard I tried," Carter wrote. 

Mallett was serving as the head coach of White Hall (Ark.) High School after playing seven years in the NFL.

During his three seasons with the Patriots, Mallett appeared in four games, going 1-of-4 for 17 yards and an interception in 2012. 

He then joined the Houston Texans for two seasons, playing in nine games for 119 completions, five touchdowns, and six interceptions, before joining the Baltimore Ravens for three season. There, he played in eight games for 70 completions with four touchdowns and three interceptions. 

Bill Belichick, Julian Edelman and James White were among the coaches and players who wrote tributes about their former teammate. 

Here is Carter's full statement: 

Ryan Michael Mallett,

How do I even find the words. I prayed for you for 27 years, and we finally found each other. I trust that God has a plan for everything, but I don’t think I will ever understand why this happened. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, and I hope you know how hard I tried.

Everyone knows how talented, dedicated, and passionate you were about the game of football. Those of us who were lucky enough to know your heart know that it was even bigger than your larger-than-life personality and stature. Nothing was ever about you, it was always about others. Multiple times, I heard you say “there are so many good people in this world,” and that statement alone shows what kind of person you were. Always looking for the good.

I can never thank you enough for loving me the way that you did. In such a short time, you showed me the love I have prayed for my entire life. You loved me fiercely and unapologetically. We were planning our future. We were just getting started. I’m sure some think we’re crazy for feeling the way we did about each other in such a short time. I thought we were crazy at first too. But you helped me understand that when two souls connect the way ours did, love has no set timeline.

Words cannot convey how badly I miss you. I hope you know how loved you are. By myself, your amazing family, your friends, your teammates, your students, and countless others. I don’t know how I’ll ever get past this. But I’m so honored to love you and be loved by you. You changed my life, and I’m forever grateful for the time we had. No amount of time would have ever been enough. I love you, Ryan. Please watch over us. I can’t wait to see you again. 

Patriots 2011 draft pick Ryan Mallett dies at age 35

Patriots 2011 draft pick Ryan Mallett reportedly drowned in Florida on Tuesday.

Featured Image via Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports