R.I.P – Kirby Puckett . Dana Reeves

Dana Reeves, 44

Dana Reeves, widow of actor Christopher Reeves, passed away at age 44 yesterday after losing the battle with lung cancer. Dana stood by Christopher Reeves after he was paralyzed from a riding accident in 1996.

Reeve died Monday of lung cancer, said Kathy Lewis, president and CEO of the foundation.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and staff of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, we are extremely saddened by the death of Dana Reeve, whose grace and courage under the most difficult of circumstances was a source of comfort and inspiration to all of us,” Lewis said in a statement. via the AP

 “Dana will always be remembered for her passion, strength and ceaseless courage that became her hallmark,” Lewis said. “Along with her husband, Christopher, she faced adversity with grace and determination, bringing hope to millions around the world.”

Kirby Puckett, 45

Kirby Puckett, hero to Minnesota Twins fans passed away after a severe stroke over the weekend. Kirby was a world series hero and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame after having to retire early due to having a severe case of glaucoma. He leaves behind 2 children, Catherine and Kirby Jr.

“He was revered throughout the country and will be remembered wherever the game is played,” commissioner Bud Selig said. “Kirby was taken from us much too soon – and too quickly.”

“There are a lot of great players in this game, but only one Kirby,” pitcher Rick Aguilera said when Puckett announced his retirement. “It was his character that meant more to his teammates. He brought a great feeling to the clubhouse, the plane, everywhere.”

And this is an interesting if not a sad fact:

Indeed, Puckett was the second-youngest person to die having already been enshrined at Cooperstown, Hall of Fame spokesman Jeff Idelson said. Only Lou Gehrig, at 37, was younger. via the AP

Rest In Peace, Kirby and Dana…