49ers football icon Dwight Clark dies at age 61

After years of battling ALS, the 49ers Football icon, Dwight Clark, passed away at age of 61 at his home in Montana.

Clark, who had been struggling with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since September 2015, died on June 4, 2018, according to ESPN.

In an emotional statement, Clark’s wife, Kelly delivered the news of her husband’s passing through a post on his Twitter account.

Upon learning the news, the San Francisco 49ers team released a statement. They said that the 49ers family has suffered a tragic loss with Clark’s death.

"We extend our condolences and prayers to Dwight's wife, Kelly, his family, friends, and fans, as we join together to mourn the death of one of the most beloved figures in 49ers history,” read the statement.

Clark served the team for almost four decades and helped shape the impressive dynasty that the San Francisco 49ers are at present.

He revealed that he had been diagnosed with ALS in March 2017 through former 49ers owner Ed DeBartolo Jr.’s website. The statement also revealed that he had already been feeling weak since 2015.

Months of testing and treatment had passed before he was finally diagnosed with ALS, which is also called Lou Gehrig’s disease.

At the time, Clark had already lost strength in his two hands, as well as his midsection, lower back, and his right leg. It was also at that moment that he became frail since he lost a big chunk of his weight.

In March 2018, DeBartolo made efforts to get Clark and his family transferred to Whitefish, Montana to be close to him. In April, he also hosted a party where about 30 people consisting of friends and former 49ers came to visit Clark at his Montana ranch.

Clark’s former teammate Roger Craig was among the people who came to visit the late icon. He said that it was a special moment since he was able to see Clark's smile.

Garrison Hearst, who was also one of Clark’s visitors in April, recently tweeted upon learning of Clark’s passing.

Clark is survived by his wife and his three children from his previous marriage. To learn more about Clark’s story, visit our Twitter account, @amomama_usa.