Estill County’s football player Reid Napier’s mother, Dezna Napier, died after undergoing heart surgery.
Reid Napier is a promising young football player from Richmond, Kentucky, who attended Madison Central High School.
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, Napier brings an impressive physical presence to his primary position as a defensive tackle and also contributes as a tight end.
Though early in his high school journey, Reid is actively developing his athletic profile through the NCSA College Recruiting platform.
In January 2025, after Reid’s team won both of their games, he was named MVP of the linemen and was given one of the first two invitations to the Elite East vs West game in Arizona for January 2026.
Reid Napier’s Mother, Dezna Napier, Died Due To Complicated Heart Surgery
As per the reports, Reid Napier’s mother, Dezna Napier, a dedicated educator, tragically lost her life in July 2025, after undergoing heart surgery.
On June 20, 2025, she took to her Facebook handle and announced that her heart surgery went well. She also said that she was not able to use her left arm and legs due to surgery.
Later, on July 3, 2025, Dezna announced that she was at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Center and she couldn’t walk, lift her legs, or roll herself over without the help of nurses, therapists, and techs.
To move from bed, she used a hoist and a power chair device. Her face was so swollen and drawn that she could no longer recognize herself.
Sadly, she lost her life from the complications of the surgery.
Barbara Tackett, an office manager at Evarts Save A Lot, took to her official Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Dezna Napier. She wrote,
Please keep Jason Napier, their kids, and families in your prayers. Dezna Napier was a precious soul and will definitely be missed.
Barbara Tackett
KY Prime Football also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Dezna’s family by stating,
Please keep the Napier family in your prayers. Today, the world lost an incredible wife, mother, teacher and friend. Though our Prime family only knew Dezna for a short time, her warmth, love, and unforgettable smile made a lasting impact. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
KY Prime Football
Other close friends have also sent their heartfelt condolences and prayers to Dezna’s family to stay strong in this challenging time.
Dezna’s funeral service schedule will soon be made available. Rest in Heaven, Dezna Napier.
Dezna Napier Is Survived By Her Husband, Jason Napier
Dezna Napier was married to Jason Napier on June 14, 2003. On January 26, 2025, Jason celebrated Dezna’s birthday with a heartfelt message, saying:
Happy birthday to my better half Dezna Napier. You are my best friend and the person who keeps me grounded. I hope you have the best day because you deserve the world. I love you baby!
Jason Napier
On June 14, 2025, Jason took to his official Instagram handle and wished Dezna a happy 22nd marriage anniversary, writing:
Happy Anniversary to my beautiful bride. From that day to this day has been full of memories both good and bad but we have faced them together. I love you to the moon and back!
Jason Napier
Sadly, their married life ended after over 22 years following the death of Dezna.
Recently, Jason took to her official Facebook handle and announced the death of his wife Dezna. He wrote,
This is the way I will remember you. The loving wife, mother and friend. She loved the lord and was praising him until her last breath she was a champion for her family and friends. She loved fiercely. She fought hard to stay with us but God had other plans. You won the race and are healed. No more suffering and no more pain. You are running in the streets of heaven now. We will miss you and will always keep your smile and laugh in our hearts. The babies will be loved and they will always know how much you loved them. I love you to the moon and back always!
Jason Napier
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dezna Napier’s cousin, Rhonda Ward, lives in Portage, Indiana, went to Hobart High School, and later graduated from Davenport University. She has been serving at Dollar General since August 8, 2022.
- Dezna’s husband, Jason Napier, was born to his mother, Rita Brock Napier.
- Napier served as a classroom teacher for 5th-grade English/Language Arts at West Irvine Elementary School in the Estill County School District.
- Reid Napier has one sister whose identity has not been revealed.
