St. Petersburg Times
5/17/2007
Nyle Wiren’s wife, Caroline, 34, coached the USF dance team.Caroline Wiren, the Storm’s former cheerleading coach and wife of popular linebacker Nyle Wiren, died Wednesday of complications from the birth of the couple’s first child.
“It’s such a shocking thing,” coach Tim Marcum said after visiting the player he has coached in each of his 10 seasons in the AFL at St. Joseph’s Hospital. “So unbelievable. She was so full of energy.”
Caroline Wiren, 34, gave birth to a healthy 9-pound, 3-ounce boy Tuesday, the Storm said.
She was remembered as a bubbly Southern belle who codirected the Storm’s dance team from 2003-05. She was in her fourth season as coach of USF’s dance team, the SunDolls.
“We were shocked and stunned to receive this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caroline’s family and friends,” USF athletic director Doug Woolard said. “Her dedication and commitment to the SunDolls have meant a great deal, not only to the athletic department, but the entire University of South Florida. She will be greatly missed.”
Storm veteran receiver Lawrence Samuels, whose wife Kellei was close with Caroline, said he bought the Wirens a gift for their baby two weeks ago.
“This morning I got a text that the baby was born, and I was feeling happy for them,” Samuels said. “And I go to the mailbox and I got a thank you card for my gift, and Caroline wrote the thank you card. … I don’t know what to say.”
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.