Ray Combs’ wife, Debbie Combs, faced significant challenges after her husband’s death. She struggled with the emotional and financial aftermath of his suicide in 1996.
Ray Combs, best known as the host of the game show “Family Feud” from 1988 to 1994, married Debbie in 1977. Together, they had six children. Unfortunately, Combs’ life took a downward spiral due to various personal and professional issues. In 1994, he was replaced on “Family Feud” by the original host, Richard Dawson, which was a significant blow to his career. Following this, he faced financial difficulties and suffered from debilitating spinal injuries resulting from a car accident, which led to chronic pain.
These challenges culminated in Combs’ mental health deteriorating. On June 2, 1996, he tragically took his own life by hanging at the age of 40. His death left Debbie Combs a widow with the responsibility of caring for their six children. The loss of her husband’s income and the public nature of his death added to the difficulties she had to confront.
In the years that followed, Debbie Combs had to navigate the process of healing and rebuilding her life without Ray. She had to manage the financial strain, as the family reportedly faced eviction from their home shortly after Ray’s death. The details of her life after these events are not widely publicized, as she has maintained a relatively private life away from the media spotlight.
The story of Ray Combs is a somber reminder of how quickly fortunes can change and the impact that mental health issues can have on families. Debbie Combs’ experience after her husband’s death highlights the resilience required to overcome personal tragedy and the importance of support systems for those left behind.
