Todd Heap Honors Late Daughter on Her Birthday

Photo Credit: Twitter/FOXSPORTSAZ

In the wake of the tragic loss of their daughter Holly, many have asked how they can help former NFL tight end Todd Heap and his family.

Their response: They’d like you to love others. The former NFL tight end and his family are encouraging people to “share hugs and spread love and joy through random acts of heartfelt kindness” on Wednesday, which would have been Holly’s fourth birthday. Heap accidentally struck and killed his daughter last month while moving his truck, in which police have said that impairment was not a factor.

“Holly was known to give the best hugs, and her love for everyone and everything in life was contagious,” the website HugsFromHolly.com says. “Let’s spread this joy as we scatter sunshine in Holly’s honor on her birthday.”

For Wednesday, in addition to spreading love, the site is asking people to wear pink in Holly’s honor, and post pictures of families spreading joy by using the hashtag #hugsfromhollyday.

Heap and his family received an outpouring of condolences and sympathy from friends, former teammates and fans of the former Pro Bowl tight end, who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals. Heap retired in 2013 after playing 12 seasons in the NFL.

“Smile more,” the site reads. “Compliment somebody. Write a kind note. Share treats (or chicken nuggets). Do a free lemonade stand. Leave a bigger tip than usual. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru. Donate a book in Holly’s honor. Turn up the music and dance … the list is endless. Be creative!”

“Share this! Shout it from the rooftops!” the site says. “Let’s spread kindness and love and make Wednesday a HOLLYday!”