Adrian Peterson reportedly never met deceased son

Adding more tragedy to an already awful story, we’re learning that the first time Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson saw his deceased 2-year-old son was in the hospital this week.

Peterson left his team to rush to South Dakota this week after learning that his son was in critical condition in the hospital after being beaten. TMZ says that Thursday was the first time Peterson saw his son. The young boy reportedly was on life support at the time and died on Friday.

[Related: Peterson receives support from players after son’s death]

According to TMZ, Peterson only recently learned that he was the father of the child. The mother of the boy reportedly had an ex whom she suspected was the father. She had him take a paternity test, but it turned up negative. The woman then went to Peterson, with whom she had a sexual encounter a few years ago, and Peterson reportedly offered to help the situation.

Peterson is said to have been very involved since learning of the tragedy.