QPR defender Rio Ferdinand's wife Rebecca Ellison dies from cancer

The wife of Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand has died from cancer.

Rebecca Ellison, who married Ferdinand in 2009, had breast cancer. She leaves behind three children, Lorenz, Tate and and Tia; ages nine, six and four.

The former Manchester United and England international defender released a statement saying his wife had “passed away peacefully” at a London hospital.

“Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London,” Ferdinand said.

“She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children. She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.

“Myself, my parents Janice and Julian, along with Rebecca’s parents Lesley and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club colleagues who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months.

“I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clarke at the Royal Mardsen. Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca’s all-too-short life will not be forgotten.

“Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.”

The thoughts of everyone at World Soccer Talk are with Rio and his family at the difficult time.

Rest in Peace, Rebecca.