New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon and his wife, Anna Raridon, are mourning the death of their newborn son, Peter James Raridon.
The couple shared the heartbreaking news on September 29. According to their announcement, Peter was diagnosed with anencephaly during Anna’s 20-week anatomy scan. The condition affects the development of the brain and skull and is fatal.
Peter was born on September 11 and died shortly after his birth.
Eli Raridon and Anna Raridon Share Their Loss
Anna shared the news in an Instagram post made jointly with Eli. She explained that the couple first learned about their son’s condition during the pregnancy.
The diagnosis changed what had initially been an exciting milestone for the couple. Instead of preparing to bring their baby home, they faced the knowledge that Peter would not survive outside the womb.
Despite the grief, Anna reflected on the time she had with her son during pregnancy. She described herself as grateful for the opportunity to carry him, protect him and love him before his death.
The couple also expressed their faith and said they continue to hold onto their belief that God cares for His children.
Who Was Peter James Raridon?
Peter James was the son of Eli and Anna Raridon.
The couple had announced their pregnancy in March. At the time, they shared photos from a beach photoshoot while celebrating the expected arrival of their baby later in the year.
Their September announcement included several personal photographs. Among them was an image of Eli and Anna holding Peter’s hand.
Anna also shared photographs connected to the pregnancy, along with an image of a rainbow appearing over the trees.
What Is Anencephaly?
Anencephaly is a serious birth defect involving the development of the brain and skull during pregnancy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes anencephaly as a type of neural tube defect. Babies affected by the condition are typically born without parts of the brain and skull.
The condition is considered fatal, and affected babies generally do not survive long after birth.
Because anencephaly develops during pregnancy, families who receive this diagnosis can face deeply difficult medical and emotional circumstances.
Eli and Anna Raridon’s Marriage
Eli and Anna married in May 2025. The couple had known each other since high school before beginning their life together as husband and wife.
Their pregnancy announcement earlier this year marked another important chapter in their relationship.
Now, the couple is remembering Peter while processing an enormous personal loss.
Anna Raridon Remembers Her Son
In her message, Anna focused on the love she felt for Peter throughout his short life.
She acknowledged that she and Eli may never have answers to every question surrounding their experience. However, she said their son was deeply loved by his parents, relatives and friends.
The couple’s announcement offered a glimpse into the grief they are experiencing while also honoring Peter’s life.
For Eli and Anna, Peter’s story began before his birth and remains an important part of their family story.