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Patriots Fan Shelly Sepulveda Dies After Cancer Battle
Sepulveda passed away weeks after Patriots owner Robert Kraft surprised her with Super Bowl tickets
Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:15am
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Shelly Sepulveda, a 42-year-old New England Patriots superfan, died on Monday following a two-year battle with ovarian cancer. Just weeks earlier, Patriots owner Robert Kraft had surprised Sepulveda, a mother of six, with tickets to this year's Super Bowl after she had undergone chemotherapy the week prior. Sepulveda was deeply loved and her passing has left a profound impact on her family and community.
Why it matters
Sepulveda's story highlights the power of sports fandom to provide comfort and joy during difficult times, as well as the immense challenges faced by those battling terminal illnesses. Her passing also underscores the importance of community support for families dealing with the financial and emotional burdens of cancer treatment.
The details
Sepulveda was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2024. On January 11, 2026, just weeks before her passing, Patriots owner Robert Kraft surprised Sepulveda with tickets to that year's Super Bowl after she had undergone chemotherapy the previous week. Sepulveda, a former NICU nurse, told Kraft that being with the Patriots helped her endure the most difficult moments of her illness, saying "When I'm here I don't think about cancer, I watch the Patriots." Tragically, Sepulveda was hospitalized days later with low blood counts and passed away on January 30, 2026.
- Sepulveda was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2024.
- On January 11, 2026, Patriots owner Robert Kraft surprised Sepulveda with Super Bowl tickets.
- Sepulveda was hospitalized on January 17, 2026 with low blood counts.
- Sepulveda passed away on January 30, 2026.
The players
Shelly Sepulveda
A 42-year-old New England Patriots superfan who battled ovarian cancer for two years before passing away.
Robert Kraft
The owner of the New England Patriots who surprised Sepulveda with Super Bowl tickets weeks before her death.
Tami Sepulveda
Shelly Sepulveda's wife, who shared the news of Shelly's passing on Facebook.
What they’re saying
“I'm just numb from pain it's so hard, but I know how much she was loved! She was truly the best wife and mother and friend we will miss her so so very much. Rest in peace now Shelly, I Love you.”
— Tami Sepulveda, Shelly Sepulveda's wife (Facebook)
What’s next
The GoFundMe page set up to support Shelly Sepulveda's family remains active and has raised over $34,000 as of January 2026.
The takeaway
Shelly Sepulveda's story is a poignant reminder of the power of sports fandom to provide comfort and community, even in the face of terminal illness. Her unwavering love for the Patriots and the support she received from the team's owner, Robert Kraft, underscores the importance of compassion and generosity during the most difficult of times.
