Week 7: Press Release for Joe Paterno's Death

Joe Paterno Dies at 85
State College, PA, January 22, 2013 - Joe Paterno died at the age of 85 of lung cancer on Sunday, January 22, 2013 in a Pennsylvania hospital.  He was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death.  Joe Paterno coached 46 seasons at Penn State.  Paterno racked up 409 wins – the record for a Division I football coach.  He guided his teams to national championships in 1982 and 1986.

On Nov. 18, Scott Paterno, Joe Paterno’s son reported that his father was being treated for lung cancer. The cancer was diagnosed after the family thought Joe Paterno had a bronchial illness.  Further tests revealed Joe Paterno had lung cancer.  A few weeks after the cancer diagnosis, Paterno also broke his pelvis after a fall but did not need surgery.

Paterno had been in the hospital since Jan. 13 for observation for what his family had called minor complications from his cancer treatments.  The Paterno family released this statement "He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community," said the statement.  The family has requested privacy at this time.

Facebook Post - With great sadness, I am letting everyone know that Joe Paterno, age 85, has passed away from lung cancer on Sunday, January 22, 2013.  His family and friends were at this side when he passed away.  College football has lost a great Coach.  He coached Penn State for 46 seasons, with 409 wins.  This is a record for a Division I football coach.  He led Penn state to national championships in 1982 and 1986.

Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/21/joe-paterno-dead-ex-penn-state-football-coach_n_1221289.html

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20563737,00.html