The oldest daughter of former NFL player and current ESPN commentator Keyshawn Johnson has died.
Johnson tweeted Monday that his oldest daughter, Maia Johnson, had died at the age of 25.
“It is with incredible sadness that I have to share the news about the passing of my beautiful Daughter Maia,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “Maia, as my firstborn child, has been the joy of my, and her mother’s (Shikiri Hightower), life.
“She came into our lives just as we were both coming of age as adults and has been a constant beloved presence for both of us. We are heartbroken and devastated by her loss. Shikiri, Maia’s siblings, our family and me appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
It is with incredible sadness that I have to share the news about the passing of my beautiful Daughter Maia. Maia, as my first born child, has been the joy of my, and her Mother Shikiri’s, life.
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) March 15, 2021
No cause of death has been given for Maia Johnson.
Keyshawn Johnson was the No. 1 overall pick out of the University of Southern California by the New York Jets in 1996. He played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers. He appeared in Super Bowl XXXVII with Tampa Bay.
We also all appreciate your support and respect for our privacy as we move forward. Thank you all, God Bless. Keyshawn Johnson, Sr.🙏🏾
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) March 15, 2021
Keyshawn Johnson is currently an NFL analyst on ESPN’s “NFL Live” and co-hosts ESPN Radio’s weekday morning show, “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin,” ESPN reported.
“Our thoughts are with Keyshawn and his family as they deal with this unthinkable tragedy,” ESPN said in a statement. “He has the full support of his ESPN family.”
Statement from ESPN on the passing of Keyshawn Johnson's daughter, Maia: "Our thoughts are with Keyshawn and his family as they deal with this unthinkable tragedy. He has the full support of his ESPN family." https://t.co/tQFc6R6Txk
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) March 15, 2021
Johnson and Hightower were married from 1998 to 2002 and also have a son, Keyshawn Johnson Jr., according to Yahoo Sports.
Johnson also shares three younger children -- London, Vance and Shyla -- with his current wife, Jennifer Conrad, People reported.
USC football also tweeted a message of support to Johnson and Hightower. “We are all behind you during this tough time,” the school tweeted.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are all behind you during this tough time.
— USC Football (@USC_FB) March 15, 2021
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