Tonya Puckett-Miller was the former wife of Minnesota Twins legend Kirby Puckett.
She passed away on September 19, 2023, at the age of 58 due to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Tonya and Kirby Puckett started the Puckett Scholarship in 1994 to provide more opportunities.
She was also known for her kindness and willingness to give back to Minnesota, having raised countless dollars for organizations.
Tonya Puckett-Miller cause of death
Tonya succumbed to glioblastoma, a devastating form of brain cancer which she had been battling for 20 months.
Tonya Puckett-Miller dies after 20-month battle with glioblastoma. https://t.co/iltiMshh9J
— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) September 20, 2023
What is glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme, is a type of aggressive brain cancer that originates in the glial cells, which are the supportive cells that surround and nourish the neurons in the brain.
Glioblastoma is the most common and deadliest type of primary brain tumor in adults, accounting for about 15% of all brain tumors.
Glioblastoma tumors are highly malignant and grow rapidly, invading and destroying healthy brain tissue.
They can occur in any part of the brain, but are most commonly found in the cerebral hemispheres, which are the largest part of the brain responsible for movement, sensation, and thought.
Symptoms of glioblastoma can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but may include headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, cognitive impairment and changes in personality or behavior.
Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, but the prognosis for glioblastoma is generally poor, with a median survival rate of only 12-15 months after diagnosis.
Tonya Miller-Puckett husband
As mentioned above, Tonya was married to Kirby, a Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer who played for the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1984 to 1995.
Kirby was a center fielder and one of the most beloved players in Twins history.
He was known for his exceptional hitting, fielding, and base-running skills, as well as his infectious personality and positive attitude.
He was a ten-time All-Star, six-time Gold Glove winner, and won two World Series championships with the Twins in 1987 and 1991.
Throughout his career, Kirby amassed impressive statistics, including a .318 batting average, 2,304 hits, 207 home runs and 1,085 runs batted in (RBIs).
He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, and his number 34 was retired by the Twins in 1997.
