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Adrian Peterson's son dies following assault

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson lost his 2-year old son today after the boy had been hospitalized with signs of abuse. The boy's mother's boyfriend has been arrested in the case.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Support for Peterson are all over Twitter, including from NFL players, and from all over the sports world and beyond:

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.