Tim Wakefield’s widow, Stacy, dies 5 months after Boston Red Sox pitcher

“The loss is unimaginable, especially after losing Tim just under five months ago,” the Wakefield family said in a statement.

Stacy Wakefield, the widow of the late Major League Baseball player Tim Wakefield, has died, the Boston Red Sox have confirmed. Her death comes five months after the pitcher died in October 2023.

The team announced Stacy’s death Wednesday in a press release on behalf of the Wakefield family.

“It is with deep sadness that we share that our beloved mother, daughter, sister, niece and aunt, Stacy, passed away today at her home in Massachusetts,” the Wakefield family said in a statement. “She was surrounded by her family. and dear friends as well as her wonderful caregivers and nurses. The loss is unimaginable, especially after losing Tim just under five months ago.

The family added: “We will remember Stacy as a strong, loving, caring and kind person who was as real as they come. We feel so lucky to have had her in our lives and take comfort that she will be reunited with Tim, the love of her life.”

Related: Former Red Sox Pitcher Tim Wakefield Dies at 57: ‘Devoted husband, father and teammate’

Both Stacy and Tim — whose famous “knuckleball” made him one of the most dominant Major League pitchers since the early 2000s — have been diagnosed with different forms of cancer, according to MLB pitcher Curt Schilling, who revealed the couple’s diagnoses against their wishes last September. .

Schilling, 56, said on his podcast that Tim — who was his Red Sox teammate from 2004 to 2007 — had been diagnosed with an “aggressive form of brain cancer” and that his wife had cancer pancreatic.

After Schilling shared the news without the couple’s permission, the Red Sox asked for “confidentiality” on behalf of the Wakefields in a statement obtained by PEOPLE at the time.

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“We are aware of the statements and questions about Tim and Stacy Wakefield’s health,” the team said. “Unfortunately, this information was shared publicly without their permission. Their health is a deeply personal matter that they intended to keep private as they navigate treatment and work to address this disease.”

The statement continued: “Tim and Stacy are grateful for the support and love they have always been shown and respectfully request privacy at this time.”

At the time of Tim’s death, MLB said“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Wakefield, 19-year major leaguer, two-time World Series champion, 2009 AL All-Star and 2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner.”

They added: “Tim embodied the best qualities as a teammate, competitor and caring person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wakefield family and all who knew and loved Tim.”

In a statement Wednesday through the Red Sox, the Wakefield family also thanked Stacy’s caregivers and asked for privacy.

“We would like to thank all of Stacy’s doctors, nurses and caregivers who have helped her from diagnosis to today – we are forever grateful for your unparalleled care and support,” the family said. “And to everyone who sent well wishes over the past few months, we really appreciate your kindness.”

They added: “We kindly ask for privacy at this time as we try to process this profound loss.”

The couple first married in 2002 and have two children together – Trevor, 19, and Brianna, 17.

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