The wife of NFL executive Alonzo Highsmith has died ‘unexpectedly’ aged 61.
It was confirmed on Tuesday night, via an emotional statement on social media, that Denise Chong Highsmith had passed away.
The family confirmed that her funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 7th in Houston, Texas. While another memorial will take place in Miami ‘in the coming days’.
The family’s statement read: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, Denise Elizabeth Highsmith.
‘Denise was truly one of a kind – a fun, loving, and free-spirited soul who embraced everyone without judgment.
‘She poured into the lives of others with kindness, laughter, and service, and in doing so, she found joy and fulfillment. To know her was to feel seen, loved, and uplifted.
The wife of NFL executive Alonzo Highsmith, Denise Chong Highsmith, has died aged 61
The family’s statement read: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, Denise Elizabeth Highsmith’
‘Denise will forever be remembered for the light she brought into the world, and her spirit will live on in all of us’.
Denise’s cause of death was not confirmed and remains unknown. Her husband Alonzo is yet to comment on the situation.
The couple celebrated their 35th anniversary back in June and were pictured out for dinner together as they marked the occasion.
Denise had shared her own video compilation of pictures together over the years, before captioning it: ‘Thirty-five years and here we are!
‘To God be the Glory, He has brought us through so much, here’s to couple more forevers…. Luv you long time ‘Lonzo!’.
Highsmith made his name as an explosive running back for the Oilers, Cowboys, Buccaneers and Chiefs throughout his established NFL career.
After hanging up his cleats, he’s taken on a number of off-field roles within the NFL.
He began as the senior personnel executive for the Packers between 2012-2017 before joining the Browns as vice president of player personnel.
After that, he joined the Seahawks for two years before eventually landing in his current role as a personnel executive at the New England Patriots.
The news was confirmed via an emotional family statement on Denise’s social media
Just a few months ago, Denise and Alonzo had celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary
The Patriots recently hired his son, AJ Highsmith, as their director of pro scouting back in May, according to The Boston Globe.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones was one of the many NFL stars who shared his condolences to Highsmith and their family.
He wrote: ‘Truly a living angle walking this planet… Praying for the family mama I love you and thank you for being there always checking on me and just treating me like I’m one of your kids ( I am) this one messed me up.
‘I know you’re looking down protecting us from things we can’t even see. I love you’.
