Getty Dwight Clark, the former 49ers lengend, has died at the age of 61. He is survived by his wife Kelly Radzikowski and three children, Casey, Riley and Mac.
Dwight Clark, San Francisco 49ers legend and beloved wide receiver for the 49ers during the 1980s franchise more than three decades ago, died Monday at his home in Montana after a long battle with ALS. He was 61.
Clark’s wife, Kelly Radzikowski, posted the news of her husband’s death on social media:
“I’m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband. He passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people he loved most.”
Here’s what you need to know about his wife, Kelly Radzikowski, and his family:
1. Clark Thanked His Wife For Her Strength and Unconditional Love After His Diagnosis
SAN FRANCISCO – DECEMBER 8: Wide receiver Dwight Clark #87 of the San Francisco 49ers goes after a deep pass during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park on December 8, 1984 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 51-7. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Clark posted an open letter shortly after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gherig’s disease. He thanked his wife for her unconditional love and support, his family for staying positive, and his teammates for reaching out to him in his difficult time.
“What I do know is I have a huge battle in front of me and I’m grateful for the strength and unconditional love from my wife Kelly. She has been my rock. She keeps thinking positive and convinces me each day that we can beat this, as does my daughter Casey and my son Mac. My brother Jeff, his wife Debra and their family also have been unwavering with their love and support.”
2. Radzikowski was a Big Obama Supporter During his Presidential Race in 2008
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – DECEMBER 04: Former 49er greats (L-R) Joe Montana and Dwight Clark look on before the game between the St Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on December 4, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Radzikowski had a hand in getting her lifelong Republican husband Clark to celebrate the election after Obama won his historic victory over John McCain in 2008. He even came to an inaugural party to celebrate Obama’s victory even though he voted for McCain, according to SF Gate.
SF Gate reports that Radzikowski, his girlfriend at the time, is a big Obama supporter. He also said that he saw the country the way he saw football at the time of the election. “We picked our quarterback, and now we’re in training camp, and we all have to get behind him.”
3. Clark’s Divorce to His Ex-Wife Ashley Stone Cost Him His Five Super Bowl Rings
Dwight Clark during his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
Clark’s divorce from first wife Ashley Stone nearly bankrupt him. According to ESPN, when he and his first wife split, he was stuck with three $2.5 million homes, all of his real estate developments were “upside down,” and his divorce cost him nearly every penny that he had.
Clark ended up having to sell his five Super Bowl rings just to get by, and yet was still up to his nose in debt.
“One day, I realized the total amount of money I had available to me was under $500,” remembers Clark, now 56. “I really had no idea what I was going to do next.”
The rings were purchased by Bruce Cousins, the owner of Armida Winery in Healdsburg, Calif., a 49ers fan who witnessed Clark’s infamous catch in the 1982 NFC Playoffs. Cousins bought them off Clark for practically a pack of gum, as part of the bankruptcy.
4. Clark’s Son-in-Law Peter Harrold Plays for the NHL & Represented the United States at the 2009 World Ice Hockey Championships
SEATTLE, WA – JANUARY 19: Former 49ers player Dwight Clark signs his jersey worn by a fan before the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the 2014 NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on January 19, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Clark is the father-in-law of former National Hockey League defense-man Peter Harrold. Harrold is currently a free agent, but most recently played under contact with the New York Rangers of the NHL.
According to Wikipedia, Harrold led Boston to the Division 1 NCAA National Championship game at the Frozen Four where they played the Wisconsin Badgers. He scored his first career NHL goal on February 23, 2008 against the Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Lalime at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York.
Harrold also represented the United States at the 2009 World Ice Hockey Championships.
5. Radzikowski Announced Clark’s Death on Twitter, Stating that the Former Wide Receiver Was Surrounded By Loved Ones in his Last Moments
SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 20: Former San Francisco 49er Dwight Clark walks onto the field for a presentation during half time during home opener as the San Francisco 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park September 20, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty Images)
Kelly Radzikowski and Dwight Clark married on March 12, 2011 in Los Gatos, California. Clark is survived by his wife, Kelly, and three children, daughter Casey, and sons Riley and Mac, from a previous marriage.
“I’m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband,” Kelly Clark said on Twitter. “He passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people he loved most. I am thankful for all of Dwight’s friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS.”
I’m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband. He passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people he loved most. I am thankful for all of Dwight’s friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS. Kelly Clark.
Hall of Fame owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. released his own statement on Clark’s passing:
“My heart is broken. Today, I lost my little brother and one of my best friends. I cannot put into words how special Dwight was to me and to everyone his life touched. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and a great friend and teammate. He showed tremendous courage and dignity in his battle with ALS and we hope there will soon be a cure for this horrendous disease.”