Denise Tyson was the sister of Mike Tyson, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. She died in 1990 at the age of 24, leaving behind a grieving family and a brother who had just lost his world title. What was the cause of her death and how did it affect Mike Tyson’s life and career? Here is what we know about Denise Tyson and her tragic demise.
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Denise Tyson’s Early Life and Family
Denise Tyson was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jimmy Kirkpatrick and Lorna Smith. She had two brothers, Rodney and Mike, who were five and six years younger than her, respectively. Her father abandoned the family when Mike was only two years old, and her mother struggled to raise the children as a single parent. Denise and her brothers grew up in a poor and violent neighborhood, where they faced many hardships and dangers.
Denise was close to her brothers, especially Mike, who looked up to her as a role model. She was also a talented singer and dancer, who dreamed of becoming a star. She attended the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan, where she honed her skills and made friends. She was described by her classmates as a cheerful, friendly, and outgoing person, who always had a smile on her face.
Denise Tyson’s Marriage and Health Problems
Denise Tyson married a man named Anderson in the late 1980s, and moved to a house in St. Albans, Queens. She was happy with her husband, who supported her aspirations and encouraged her to pursue her passion. She also maintained a close relationship with her mother and brothers, who often visited her and celebrated holidays with her.
However, Denise also suffered from several health problems, which affected her quality of life. She was diagnosed with diabetes and asthma, which required regular medication and treatment. She also struggled with obesity, which caused her to gain a lot of weight and put pressure on her heart. She weighed around 400 pounds at the time of her death, according to Heavy.com.
Denise Tyson’s Sudden Death and Its Impact
On February 21, 1990, Denise Tyson died of an apparent heart attack at her home. She was found unconscious by her husband at 8:40 a.m., and was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The cause of death was reported as cardiac arrest, possibly triggered by her diabetes and asthma. She was only 24 years old when she passed away, leaving behind a devastated family and friends.
Her death came just weeks after Mike Tyson had lost his world heavyweight title to Buster Douglas in a shocking upset in Tokyo. Mike was 23 years old at the time, and had already faced many losses in his life. His father had abandoned him, his mother had died when he was 16, and his mentor and trainer Cus D’Amato had died when he was 19. Denise was one of the few people who had always been there for him, and who had loved him unconditionally.
Mike was heartbroken by his sister’s death, and was unable to attend her funeral due to his contractual obligations. He later said that he felt guilty and angry for not being able to say goodbye to her, and that he blamed himself for not taking better care of her. He also said that he felt alone and lost, and that he turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with his pain. He admitted that he never fully recovered from his sister’s death, and that it affected his mental health and his boxing career.
Denise Tyson’s Legacy and Memory
Denise Tyson was a loving sister, daughter, wife, and friend, who had a bright future ahead of her. She had a talent for singing and dancing, and a passion for performing. She had a positive and optimistic attitude, and a warm and generous heart. She was a source of inspiration and support for her brother Mike, who admired her and cherished her.
Denise Tyson’s death was a tragedy that shocked and saddened many people, especially her family and friends. She was buried at Rosedale and Rosehill Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey, where her grave is marked by a simple headstone. Her memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her, and who remember her as a beautiful and wonderful person.
