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Former NFL quarterback Brian Hoyer and his family are mourning the death of a loved one “suddenly and unexpectedly.”
In a social media post, Hoyer revealed that his sister-in-law, Carissa, died on Friday. She was 36. Details of Carissa’s death were not immediately released.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write this,” Hoyer wrote in an Instagram post. Carissa is survived by Brian’s brother, Brett Hoyer, and their four young daughters.
“In an instant, he became a widower to four daughters under the age of 12,” added the former New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback.
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Brian Hoyer pumps his fist after the Raiders defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., Oct. 15, 2023. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA Today Sports)
The family launched a GoFundMe campaign for financial support, and Hoyer shared information about the fundraiser on his social media platform. The campaign is seeking $100,000. As of Thursday evening, the foundation had exceeded its donation goal.
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The GoFundMe’s description described Carissa as “a strong and courageous woman who loved her family dearly” and who “loved the opportunity to build her own family.”
“She truly felt called to be a wife and mother, and she embraced that role with all her heart,” the tribute said. “She was the heart and soul of their home, a constant source of encouragement, faith, warmth and unconditional love through every challenge and every joy.”
Brian Hoyer of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec. 10, 2023. (Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
The financial support aims to “help ease the day-to-day pressures as Brett steps into the role of single parent.”
“Our hope is simple. We want Brett to be able to focus on loving his girls, grieving together, and begin the long healing process without the constant weight of financial stress,” the description continued. “We can’t take away their pain, but together we can help carry the weight.”
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer throws a pass during warmups before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., Oct. 2, 2022. (Jeff Hanisch/USA Today Sports)
Brian’s other brother, Matthew, expressed gratitude for all the support the family has received.
“There are truly no words to fully express what this means to our family,” he wrote.
Hoyer last appeared in an NFL game in 2023 with the Raiders. He debuted with the Patriots in 2009 and returned to the franchise in 2024 as a member of its broadcast team.
