Pitcher Tim Wakefield’s Widow Stacy Dies 5 Months Later

Stacy Wakefield, the widow of the late Major League Baseball player, Tim Wakefield, has passed away, as confirmed by the Boston Red Sox. This unfortunate event occurred five months after Tim’s death in October 2023.

The team officially announced Stacy’s passing in a press release on Wednesday, 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 caretakers and nurses. The loss is unimaginable, especially in the wake of losing Tim just under five months ago. Our hearts are beyond broken.”

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

Both Stacy and Tim — known for his famous “knuckleball” pitching style that made him one of the most dominant Major League pitchers of the early 2000s — were diagnosed with different forms of cancer, according to MLB pitcher Curt Schilling, who disclosed the couple’s diagnoses against their wishes last September.

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

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

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

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

The statement continued, “Tim and Stacy are appreciative of the support and love that has always been extended to them and respectfully ask for privacy at this time.”

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

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

In their statement released via the Red Sox on Wednesday, the Wakefield family also thanked Stacy’s caregivers and asked for privacy.

“We would like to thank all of Stacy’s doctors, nurses and caretakers who helped her from diagnosis to today — we are eternally grateful for your unmatched care and support,” the family said. “And to all of you who have sent well wishes over these last several months, we truly 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 had two children — Trevor, 19, and Brianna, 17 — together.