Vinnie Jones' wife, Tanya, dies after a long illness

Vinnie Jones' wife, Tanya, died at the age of 53 after a long illness.

The actor and former footballer was alongside his wife when she died Saturday at their home in Los Angeles.

A statement from her management indicates that she died peacefully while she was surrounded by Vinnie, their daughter, and other family members.

Vinnie and Tanya married in 1994. She had a daughter, Kaley, from her former husband and a son, Aaron, with Vinnie.

Jones, 54, a former midfielder known for his membership of the Crazy Gang at Wimbledon, has already explained how the couple had been diagnosed with skin cancer.

Celebrity tributes

Tanya underwent an emergency heart transplant at the age of 21 after the birth of Kaley and also reportedly had cancer of the cervix of the uterus.

Sports personalities and celebrities sent messages of condolence on social media.

Former boxer Frank Bruno tweeted, "I am very saddened to learn of the disappearance of Vinnie Jones' wife, Tanya, My thoughts are with Vinnie and her family at this difficult time."

And Kevin Campbell, former Arsenal striker and Everton, said: "My deepest condolences to you, your family and loved ones, VinnieJones65".

In addition to Wimbledon, Jones has played for Leeds United, Chelsea, Queen Park Rangers and Wales.

After getting out of the game, he starred in such films as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Drum, Gone in 60 Seconds, and X-Men: The Last Stand.