The wife of Match of the Day 2 and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman has died aged 44 after a long battle with illness, it has been reported.
The Rochdale-born presenter - nicknamed Chappers - was married to partner Sara since 2000 and they shared three children aged 17, 12 and six.
And on Sunday, it was revealed that the wife of the much-loved TV and radio presenter tragically passed away earlier this month.
A source told The Sun: “Sadly Sara passed away on June 3.
“Mark and the kids are absolutely devastated.
“The family was there and it’s just a really sad situation.
"They’re an extremely private family and would appreciate people respecting that.”
BBC presenter Dan Walker is among those to pay tribute to Chapman's wife following her untimely passing.
He wrote on his official Twitter account: "Absolutely crushed for Chappers and his family. He loved Sara so much. May she rest in peace.
"When Chappers found out that my dad was diagnosed with cancer last year, he was so kind and thoughtful. He was also honest about the effects of cancer on his wife.
"His words and advice were incredibly helpful. Sending all my love to Mark and his young family."
Match of the Day and BT Sport host Gary Lineker also took to social media to offer his sympathy to the Chapman family.
"Oh no. How utterly heartbreaking. Thoughts are with poor Chappers and his family," he wrote on Twitter.
