Houston Rockets coach’s daughter passes away at 22
On Saturday, the Houston Rockets organization got the terrible news that head coach Kevin McHale’s daughter, Sasha, had died. She was only 22.
Alexandra McHale, who went by “Sasha”, had been battling lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease in which a person’s immune system attacks his/her tissues and organs. She had been hospitalized since November 10. McHale had taken a leave of absence from the team at that time so that he could spend time with his family.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Kevin and Lynn for the loss of their beautiful daughter, Sasha, on Saturday afternoon,” said Rockets owner Leslie Alexander in a statement. Kevin and Lynn are loving and dedicated parents who will need our continued support throughout this very difficult time. Our entire organization is mourning the McHale family’s loss and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
As USA Today reports, Rockets’ assistant coach Kelvin Smith has been coaching the team since McHale left to be with his wife and daughter. It is unclear when McHale will return to the sidelines.
