Carlisle United's Player of the Year Lee Miller declared on Twitter his wife Donna has died.
The cause of her death has not been disclosed, but ex-Middlesbrough striker Miller paid tribute to her on Twitter.
Carlisle meanwhile released a statement: "The thoughts of the directors, staff and everyone connected with Carlisle United Football Club are with Lee Miller and his family at the sad news of the passing of his partner Donna last night.
"The club is sure that everyone will respect the privacy of the family at this very sad time."
Scotland international Miller also spoke of his thanks for kind condolences on the social networking site.
The 28-year-old said: "Thanx everybody 4 ur kind msgs...I've read every1 of them & they mean so much 2 me,my family & Donnas family.. #ripdonna"