The Montgomery County and DC area communities are rallying around longtime resident Irene Johnson following the sudden and unexpected passing of her husband, former Washington Redskins Pro Bowler Tré Johnson. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started to raise money for the family.
The fundraising page supporting Irene and her family was created by friends and former colleagues, Suzanne Kennedy and Jennifer Donelan, who worked alongside her in Washington, DC newsrooms and within the DC Fire and EMS family. In the wake of an unimaginable loss, they say their goal is simple: to surround Irene and her children with the same care and compassion she has spent her life giving to others.
Many in the region know Irene from her years as a videographer at Channel 7 and Channel 4, where she told Washington’s stories with empathy, professionalism, and heart. Others came to know her through Washington DC Fire and EMS, where she helped humanize emergency response by focusing on the people behind the calls. Friends often point to a small but powerful example of who Irene is. If you have ever seen a firefighter hand a frightened child a stuffed animal at the scene of an emergency, that idea came from Irene. It was her way of bringing comfort on someone’s worst day.
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, during a family trip, Irene’s husband Tré Johnson passed away suddenly. The loss has left their four children, Chloë, EJ, EZ, and Eden, along with extended family and friends, devastated and in shock.
Tré was widely known for his NFL career. Drafted in the second round in 1994, he played eight seasons in the league, primarily with Washington from 1994 through 2001, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1999. A standout at Temple University, he was respected throughout the league for his strength, durability, and deep understanding of the game. After his playing days, he returned to the DC area, where football fans continued to admire him.
To his family, though, his greatest role was being a father. Tré lived for his children’s sports and was a constant presence at practices and games, always cheering the loudest and encouraging the hardest. Just days before his passing, he had traveled to Hampton University to watch his son’s first lacrosse home game of the season and had already booked hotels for every remaining game this year. He was determined not to miss a single moment. While there are games he will never get to see, his love, dedication, and pride in his children will be felt in every one of them.
After football, Tré found a second calling in education as a history teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda. There, he mentored young men who deeply respected and loved him. Even while quietly facing recent health challenges, he remained fully committed to his students and his family.
Friends of the family are now asking for support to help ease funeral expenses and provide stability for the Johnson children during this incredibly difficult time. Those close to Irene say she would never ask for help herself, which is why they are asking on her behalf.
Any contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward supporting Chloë, EJ, EZ, and Eden as they move forward and honor their father’s legacy. Those who are unable to give are encouraged to share the page and keep the Johnson family in their thoughts and prayers.
