Wife of Viking Player Dies

The wife of Minnesota Viking offensive lineman Lewis Kelly died of complications from her pregnancy, the second consecutive year the team has suffered a preseason tragedy.

Rakiva Kelly, 24, was four months pregnant when she died late Sunday night, said tight end Byron Chamberlain, who along with Coach Mike Tice was with Lewis Kelly at the hospital.

“We had a tremendous tragedy,” Tice said. “We’re reeling a little bit as a family.”

Last year, Pro Bowl tackle Korey Stringer died of heatstroke in training camp.

Right tackle Chris Liwienski, Stringer’s replacement, said the feeling in the locker room Monday was similar to the day Stringer died.

“There’s not a whole lot we can do, except be there for support,” Liwienski said.

Chamberlain, whose wife was a close friend of Rakiva Kelly, added: “It’s the hardest thing for a man to go through in life. Everything was looking up in his personal life and for the team.”

Kelly had stepped in at left tackle in place of rookie Bryant McKinnie, the team’s first-round draft pick who is holding out.