Newborn Son of Eli and Anna Raridon Died of Anencephaly
The couple shared that their infant son, Peter James Raridon, passed away following a prenatal diagnosis.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Pregnancy
Eli and Anna Raridon announced the death of their newborn son, Peter James Raridon, who was born on September 11, 2026. The infant passed away following a diagnosis of anencephaly, which was identified during a 20-week prenatal anatomy scan.
Why it matters
Anencephaly is a fatal birth condition that occurs during early pregnancy. Understanding the role of anatomy scans in identifying congenital anomalies is important for parents navigating prenatal care.
A 20-week anatomy scan identified a diagnosis of anencephaly, a serious and fatal condition where a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull. This ultrasound-based assessment remains the standard screening tool for detecting major structural defects during the second trimester.
The players
Eli Raridon
A 22-year-old professional football player who serves as a tight end for the New England Patriots.
Anna Raridon
The spouse of Eli Raridon who shared the announcement regarding their son.
Peter James Raridon
The newborn son of Eli and Anna Raridon who passed away due to anencephaly.
The details
Anencephaly is a neural tube defect that occurs when the upper part of the neural tube fails to close during the earliest stages of embryonic development. The condition results in the absence of major portions of the brain and skull, making it incompatible with life. Prenatal anatomy scans typically performed around the 20th week of pregnancy serve as a critical diagnostic window for clinicians to identify such structural anomalies and provide appropriate counseling to families.
Timeline
May 25, 2025: Eli and Anna Raridon married.
March 2026: The couple announced they were expecting a baby.
September 11, 2026: Peter James Raridon was born.
September 29, 2026: The couple announced the death of their son.
Health Landscape
Modern prenatal care relies on standard imaging protocols to identify fetal development issues early in the second trimester. This case aligns with the established clinical practice defined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists prenatal screening guidelines.
Expectant parents should discuss the goals and limitations of the routine 20-week anatomy scan with their obstetrician. If you have concerns about prenatal development or family health history, consult your doctor to understand which diagnostic screenings are appropriate for your pregnancy.
The takeaway
Anencephaly is a rare, fatal condition that can be detected through routine prenatal ultrasound screenings. Parents seeking clarity on their own pregnancy health or screening results should maintain ongoing, transparent communication with their prenatal care provider.
Further reading
For more information on screening tests during pregnancy, visit the Pregnancy section.
