Ruth Strauss, married to former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss, died following a year long battle with a rare form of lung cancer.
Andrew shared a statement today to announce the heartbreaking news of his wife’s death.
He said: “It is with great sadness and immense grief that we have to announce that Ruth passed away today as a result of her rare lung cancer.”
“Sam, Luca and I will miss her terribly,” he added, referring to the couple’s two children together.
Andrew continued: “Anyone who has met Ruth will know how loving, caring and passionately protective she was of her family and it gives us huge comfort that she was in Australia, the land of her birth, surrounded by those who love her, in her final moments.
“We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to those that have helped with her treatment over the last 12 months, in particular the wonderful team at University College Hospital in London.”
Tributes have now poured in for Ruth with many paying their respects on social media.
Kevin Pietersen said to his 3.76 million followers on Twitter he was “gutted” for his former England team mate and his family.
He wrote: “TWOLIDAY OVER to say that I’m absolutely gutted for the Strauss family.
“Ruth was kind, generous & only thought about others. Jess & I been thinking about them all eve and all morning.
“So sorry, Straussy! It puts life into perspective in a BIG way! #RIPRuth.”
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan also paid tribute to Ruth on Twitter.
He said: “Dreadful news about the death of Ruth Strauss from cancer at just 46.
“My deepest condolences to her husband Andrew & their two sons. RIP.”
Cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew commented: “All our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew Strauss and his family. Rest in peace, Ruth.”
Retired cricketer Darren Gough wrote: “Oh my word Just read the terrible news. RIP Ruth Strauss x.”
Surrey and Essex cricketer Alex Tudor said: “Just seeing the sad sad news about Ruth Strauss my thoughts & prays go out to Andrew his two lovely kids & the whole family…sometimes life is just not fair. #RIPRuth.”
Ruth was diagnosed with cancer in December 2017 when her husband was out in Australia, where she was born, for England’s Ashes tour.
He left the tour immediately and consequently and took a break from his role as director of England’s cricket in May this year.
In October, Andrew officially stepped down from his position to support Ruth, who he has two sons with, Sam and Luca.