Tommie Harris: NFL star's wife Ashley dies of suspected brain aneurysm aged 29

Mike Gallagher

Feb 14, 2012 - 13:52

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Tommie Harris: NFL star's wife Ashley dies of suspected brain aneurysm aged 29

Tragic loss: NFL player Tommie Harris and his wife Ashley, who died aged 29 of a suspected brain aneurysm

The young wife of a star football player has died suddenly after suffering a suspected brain aneurysm or stroke.

Ashley Harris, 29, died on Sunday evening. She was the wife of San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Tommie Harris and had two young children, Tyson, aged three, and four month-old Tinsley.

The couple had married on New Year's Day this year and were planning to hold a wedding reception in Oklahoma.

Ashley Harris was taken to hospital on Friday afteoon in Norman, Oklahoma while the couple were in town for a visit, according to the Daily Herald.

Tommie Harris played college football for the University of Oklahoma. He had a four-year, $40 million contract with the Bears but was released at the end of the 2010 season and moved to the San Diego Chargers last September.

An official cause of death for Mrs Harris has not yet been confirmed but an autopsy was pending.

Family friend Bill Ho told the Chicago Tribune: 'He's obviously in disbelief.

'But he's got such a strong support group, teammates and everybody around him.'

A San Diego Chargers spokesman said: 'The Chargers family is saddened by the sudden loss of one of our very young members.

'Tommie Harris' wife Ashley was just 29 and leaves behind a loving husband and two young children. Our prayers are with the Harris family during this most difficult time.'

Mrs Harris funeral will be held on Friday in New Orleans where she grew up.