An Oklahoma City police recruit and his two young children are in mourning after his wife died suddenly from a tumor she did not know she had.

Police Master Sgt. Gary Knight said recruit Russell Ridener went home last week to find his wife, Lauren Ridener, 33, unconscious. She was taken to the hospital where it was discovered she had a brain tumor.

Lauren Ridener died Wednesday, having never fully regained consciousness, Knight said.

Knight said Lauren Ridener had no symptoms until the collapse. He said the couple had been together since they were teenagers.

Officers are rallying around Russell, donating sick leave so he can spend time with his family, Knight said.

Friends have set up a website to help Russell and the couple's two young girls, Peyton and Skylar, at www.youcaring.com/russell-peyton-and-skylar-ridener-455629.