Joe Paterno Dead: Family Issues Official Statement

Joe Paterno died this morning surrounded by his friends and family. The former Penn State coach, who won a record 409 games during his 46 seasons with the Nittany Lions, died from lung cancer at the age of 85.

Last night, rumors circulated widely about Paterno’s death. Jay Paterno issued a statement on Twitter, saying:

“Reports are wrong. Dad is alive but in serious condition.”

This morning however, the family had a sad announcement to make. The family released a statement this morning saying:

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe Paterno passed away earlier today. His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled. His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled. 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.”

Paterno won 409 games during his career at Penn State (the most in NCAA history), brought the Nittany Lions to 37 bowl games (the most in NCAA history) and won 24 bowl games (the most in NCAA history). Sadly, Paterno’s legacy has been tarnished in the last few months.

Paterno was unable to coach his final season at Penn State. Joe Pa lost his coaching job this year due to the sex scandal involving his former assistant Jerry Sandusky. Sandusky is being charged with 52 counts of child molestation and many people have criticized Paterno for not doing more when he learned about the scandal.

Paterno called the scandal the “deepest sorrow of my life.”

How do you think Joe Paterno will be remembered?