Fans ‘Sending Love’ as ‘Criminal Minds’ Star Mourns Personal Loss

Fans of Criminal Minds star Joe Mantegna, who plays the character David Rossi, shared strong messages of support as he mourned his late mother-in-law in a new update.

The 77-year-old took to Instagram on Aug. 10 to share a sweet photo of himself and his wife Arlene‘s mother Marie, with the two smiling at the camera as Mantegna rested his hand on her shoulder.

The crime drama actor wrote a meaningful message in the caption, highlighting the greatest “gift” he received from Marie: “Today would have been my mother in law Marie’s 102nd birthday

. I send her best wishes to heaven for the gift of her daughter. 🕊️ ❤️.”

According to an obituary on Legacy.com, Marie died in late 2016 when she was 93 years old in Illinois. Mantegna’s mother, Maryann, died in April of the next year at the age of 101.

Fans were touched by the emotional update, with many sharing support for Mantegna in the comments on Instagram.

Multiple people wrote, “Sending love ❤️,” in response to the post, while others wished Marie a “Happy Heavenly Birthday” and complimented her, such as one fan who wrote, “A beautiful woman!”

“So much love for her she greeted us with open arms,” read another kind comment from someone who appeared to have met Marie.

Mantegna married Marie’s daughter Arlene in 1975, and the couple shares two children, Mia and Gia.