Vikki Zimmer, the wife of Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, died Thursday in Cincinnati, the club announced.

"We are stunned and saddened to learn of Vikki's passing," Bengals president Mike Brown said Friday. "She was a warm and popular person in the Bengals' family, and our immense respect and affection for Mike makes this especially hard. Our hearts are out to Mike and his family."

Said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis: "Mike is part of our Bengals family, and we'll support him in every way we can. We will dearly miss Vikki. She was a friend to all of us, and a big supporter of Mike's players. Her thoughtfulness to them in so many ways will also be greatly missed."

The Zimmers were married for 27 years and had three children. They met when Mike Zimmer coached at Weber State.

Funeral arrangements are pending.