Buffalo Bills linebacker Tony Steward announced the heartbreaking news that his fiancée passed away on Feb. 2 at the age of 26 after a battle with ovarian cancer.
In a lengthy and heartfelt Instagram post, Steward expressed how much loved Brittany Burns, who was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer in December.
“Wow BEAUTIFUL is the only way I know you,” Steward wrote along with a photo of her. “You have the biggest heart I have ever seen in my entire life and I promise you that it will live on in me, our family and every single soul you have touched.”
The athlete concluded his post by saying, “I will continue to be the person that you always bring out in me. Believe me when I say that I deeply love you with every ounce of everything in me. Love always, Your Fiancé.”
After Steward’s announcement the Bills released the following statement:
“The Buffalo Bills are saddened to learn about the passing of Brittany Burns, the fiancée of linebacker Tony Steward. From the day Brittany arrived in Buffalo with Tony, she was an active member in the community through the Buffalo Bills Women's Association. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Steward and the family of Brittany Burns during this most difficult time.”
People noted that the couple got engaged after Burns’ diagnosis and together she and Steward started an organization aimed at helping other women going through a similar hardship.