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Some stories transcend being the fan of an NFL team, striking you right in the heart. That happened today with the hospitalization, and subsequent death, of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's son. The boy had been taken to the hospital on Wednesday with signs of abuse and was listed as in critical condition. This afternoon, the 2-year old lost his battle with the injuries suffered in the aggravated assault.
The boy's mother's boyfriend, Joseph Patterson, was arrested on Thursday and is currently being held on $750,000 bail. The Lincoln County (Minnesota) State Attorney's office was expected to review the aggravated battery of an infant and aggravated domestic assault charges following the death of the boy. Patterson was home alone with the boy when EMS and police responded to a call about an unresponsive boy who was said to be choking. At the hospital, it was determined that the injuries were consistent with child abuse.
Peterson took to Twitter today to express his gratitude for the outpouring of support during this tragedy.
Thank you to my family, my fans and fans of other teams for their support.
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) October 11, 2013
The NFL is a fraternity of brothers and I am thankful for the tweets, phone calls and text messages from my fellow players.
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) October 11, 2013
God Bless everyone and thank u so much.
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) October 11, 2013
Support for Peterson are all over Twitter, including from NFL players, and from all over the sports world and beyond:
Wouldn't wish what has happened to AP on my worst enemy. That's some sad, sad stuff. My condolences go out to him and his family
— Brent Grimes (@BGrimey21) October 11, 2013
Prayers for @AdrianPeterson and his family..
— lamar miller (@millertime_6) October 11, 2013
Prayers out for AP and his 2 year old Lil boy!
— Mike Vick (@MikeVick) October 11, 2013
Prayers up for @AdrianPeterson and his family
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) October 11, 2013
It's some sick people on this world....the craziest things happen everyday
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) October 11, 2013
Playing after tragedy is therapy. Staying home doesn't change what life has thrown at you Playing in their honor is rewarding for the family
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) October 11, 2013
Prayers go out to @AdrianPeterson and his family! What a cruel world we live in! Truly unbelievable! #GodBless
— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) October 11, 2013
My deepest condolences goes out to Adrian Peterson and his family! Sending prayers up for you homie! Nothing I can say can help u through..
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 11, 2013
I'm praying for my boy AP! May god be with you and your family!! I am heart broken being a father my self!
— Kevin Smith (@KevinSmithRB) October 11, 2013
You and your family are in our prayers @AdrianPeterson
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 11, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Adrian Peterson and his family. May God be with them in this difficult time right now
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) October 11, 2013
Prayers & condolences to @adrianpeterson and his family.
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) October 11, 2013
Man this is crazy man, prayers up to Adrian Peterson and his family
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) October 11, 2013
Why??? An innocent child and a senseless act of violence. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family @AdrianPeterson
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) October 11, 2013
My heart goes out to @AdrianPeterson and his family. Praying for you bro.
— andre johnson (@johnson80) October 11, 2013
My heart breaks for you @adrianpeterson
— David Canter (@davidcanter) October 11, 2013
Having a son my heart hurts for Adrian Peterson God Bless you man
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) October 11, 2013
Prayers go out to Adrian Peterson and his family. #PrayForAP #RIP pic.twitter.com/G7Y4QGhciS
— Iconic Sports Pics (@Iconic_Sports) October 11, 2013
The thoughts and prayers of the Atlanta Falcons organization are with @AdrianPeterson
— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) October 11, 2013
Praying for @AdrianPeterson and his family that they stay strong and encouraged through this trying time.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) October 11, 2013
I can't even imagine what @AdrianPeterson is going thru right now. My heart is with his family.
— Josh Duhamel (@joshduhamel) October 11, 2013
Our deepest condolences go out to Adrian Peterson and his family.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 11, 2013
Prayers go out to @AdrianPeterson and his family! What a cruel world we live in! Truly unbelievable! #GodBless
— Carlos Boozer (@MisterCBooz) October 11, 2013
Please pray for our teammate, brother and friend @AdrianPeterson, as well as his family. Such a tragic and senseless loss. #Heartbroken
— Greg Jennings (@GregJennings) October 11, 2013
Praying for u!!! @AdrianPeterson
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) October 11, 2013
My prayers go out to @adrianpeterson and his family!!!! I can only imagine what your going thru!!! #RipKid #NotFair #StayStrong
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) October 11, 2013
Obviously nothing we can say can change the fact that Peterson has lost his son, and it cannot soothe the hurt that must be in their hearts right now. All we can do is offer them thoughts and prayers. Peterson has said he plans to play this Sunday for the Vikings, using the game as a way to work out the frustration from this situation.
Good luck AP.
You can head over to the Daily Norseman for more on the situation, as well as to share your sympathies with Vikings fans.