[Westside]

The pride of Paintsville, former UK star defensive lineman Joey Couch has died. He was 49. His last year playing for UK was 1991.

"This is heartbreaking for me to say and no words can describe how sad I am right now," says his wife Angel on Facebook. "Joey was my soulmate, the one who made me laugh and the one who made me feel so safe in his arms. I went to sleep every night laying on his chest. It was the best feeling in the world. He passed away around 7:45 last night at our house. The corner ruled acute cardiac event. Please keep myself and his boys, Tyler Couch and Braxton Couch and His brother David Couch and his sweet mom Jane Calhoun Couch in your prayers. We will need it over the next few days and months to come. I will post his visitation and funeral arrangements later."

The picture is Joey Couch with another legend from Paintsville, J.R. VanHoose.

"Devestated to hear the news of the passing of my good friend and one of my all-time favorite Paintsville athletes and a hero of mine growing up, Joey Couch. Shocked when I received the news late last night." says VanHoose on Facebook. "I’m just speechless. Prayers go out to the all of the family, his wife, his sons, his brother David Couch and his mother Jane Calhoun Couch."

http://www.lex18.com/story/37081717/form...assed-away