KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pat Summitt, the winningest coach in Division I college basketball history who helped boost the women’s game to the big time in a 38-year career at Tennessee, has died at 64.
With an icy glare on the sidelines, Summitt led the Lady Vols to eight national championships and prominence on a campus steeped in the traditions of the football-rich south until she retired in 2012.
Her son, Tyler Summitt, issued a statement Tuesday morning saying his mother died peacefully at Sherrill Hill Senior Living in Knoxville surrounded by those who loved her most.
Tyler’s statement said “since 2011, my mother has battled her toughest opponent, early onset dementia, `Alzheimer’s Type’ … and we can all find peace in knowing she no longer carries the heavy burden of this disease.
It is with deep sadness that The Pat Summitt Foundation announces the passing of our beloved Pat Summitt. https://t.co/iE1ZCf1UPa
— Pat Summitt Fnd (@WeBackPat) June 28, 2016
A sad day in my life and the entire WBB community-Pat Summit thank you for sharing your passion and love for the game with all of us. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) June 28, 2016
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Summitt. Read my full statement: https://t.co/tA3JcRmB7I. pic.twitter.com/yjH6Yp4n9e
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) June 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/UTKnoxville/status/747751941455884288/photo/1
