The wife of former NFL star Chris Draft has died after a long battle with cancer
Lakeasha Monique Rutledge Draft, who was a professional cheerleader for the Charlotte Hornets, died on Tuesday of lung cancer, just a month after the couple wed.
The 38-year-old had never been a smoker.
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Newlyweds: Lakeasha Monique Rutledge Draft pictured with husband Chris died on Tuesday of lung cancer;
Keasha, as she was known, first met her husband to be,in Charlotte where Chris had been transferred from Atlanta to play for the Carolina Panthers, according to Examiner.com.
The talented cheerleader worked with Draft on his charitable foundations until she was diagnosed with the terminal disease last year.
At the time of the diagnosis, Keasha was working as a pharmaceuticals sales rep in Atlanta where Chris was also living.
At the ceremony in Atlanta last month, Keasha, by then very ill, came down down the aisle in a wheelchair.
Even though her frail body was by then riddled with cancer, the stunning bride rose from the chair to walk the last few steps, Sporting News reported.
Linebacker Draft, who played for the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills over a 12-year-career has paid tribute to his life partner's courage and determination.
Terminally ill: At the wedding in Atlanta, 38 year old Lakeasha, by then very ill, came down down the aisle in a wheelchair
Heartbreak: The couple danced at their wedding just weeks ago;
In a post on his foundation's website, 'She courageously faced lung cancer, showing us all with every breath that we all need to hold onto life and love with both hands for as long as we can. he wrote:
Not just an inspiration, but a light, and a force that led the way with a beautiful, sweet smile and bright shining eyes that both belied the pure steel of her strength and determination,' Draft wrote.
Tragic: Newlywed Chris Draft playing for the St Louis Rams has lost his wife Lakeasha to cancer just weeks after their wedding;
Talented: Lakeasha was a professional cheerleader for the Charlotte Hornets for eight years
'Strong is too pale, too shallow and too small of a word to describe Keasha’s vibrancy ... Quite simply, she was ferocious. She fiercely held onto life, and love with a forcefulness that was absolutely awe-inspiring and completely breathtaking. Rest in peace, Mrs. Draft.'
A funeral will be held today in Williamston, South Carolina.
Watch the video
Keasha & Chris Draft Wedding Trailer from KRJ PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.
KWELI HAKUNA MAISHA KABISA HAPA DUNIANI ,WALA SIJUI TUNAANGAIKIA NINI KABISA...MWAKA MPYA HUU 2012.NA NIMELIAJE...MUNGU WANGU KWANINI UMETUUMBA ILI NINI HASWAAA?? HIVI VIFO VYATUUMIZA ROHO SANA SIE WAFIWA..NA KAMA HUJAFA BASI WEWE NI MFIWA . TUPENDANE NA TUISHI KAMA NDO MWISHO WETU WA DUNIA..Kwa kweli mdau wewe angalia hii VIDEO kama hutolia basi ...sina lakukuambia. R.I.P KEASHA KIPENZI ...AND WELDONE CHRIS DRAFT KWA KUTIMIZA LENDO LENU LA MAPENZI YENU YA UKWELI..YOUR WEDDING !!
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