The girlfriend of ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett, who drowned last week in Florida, posted a heartbreaking goodbye while speaking out for the first time since the tragedy.

Madison Carter, a medical student at Arkansas State, was with Mallett in Destin, Fla., when the incident occurred last Tuesday. She post a lengthy Facebook message on Sunday night:

“I trust that God has a plan for everything, but I don’t think I will never 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.”

See also: Heat, not rip currents may have killed former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett

Mallett drowned off the coast of the Florida panhandle, and although local law enforcement had warned swimmers of riptides, they were not a factor in his death, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said.

Carter’s post continued:

“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.”

See also: When Ryan Mallett had No. 1 Alabama on the ropes in Arkansas

Mallett — a third-round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 2011 who also played for the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens — was transported from a beach to a hospital, and pronounced dead on arrival.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said he was “extremely saddened by Ryan’s tragic passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched.”

Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, mourned his former teammate, as did other members of the football community.

“We lost a great man. Thank you for everything Ryan,” Brady wrote in an Instagram story that included a photo of the two of them at Patriots practice.

“Praying for the Mallett family and all their loved ones tonight,” Brady added in the post.