Pat Summitt, the winningest coach in Division I college basketball history, died Tuesday morning after a long battle with dementia.
She was 64 years old.
A Hall of Fame member and a pioneer of women’s basketball, Summitt coached the Tennessee Volunteers to eight national titles in her 38 seasons at the university.
She resigned from her post in 2012, a year after announcing she had early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type.
“It is with tremendous sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Patricia Sue Head Summitt,” said Summitt’s son Tyler in a statement.
“She died peacefully this morning at Sherrill Hill Senior Living in Knoxville surrounded by those who loved her most.”
He continued:
“Since 2011, my mother has battled her toughest opponent, early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ and she did so with bravely fierce determination just as she did with every opponent she ever faced.
“Even though it’s incredibly difficult to come to terms that she is no longer with us, we can all find peace in knowing she no longer carries the heavy burden of this disease.”
Over the weekend, Summitt’s family has announced that the iconic sports figure was struggling mightily with her healthy, preparing the world for this sad outcome.
Over her career, Summitt led the Lady Vols to 22 Final Fours. She won three consecutive national titles from 1996 through 1998.
Summitt is survived by her mother, Hazel Albright Head; son, Ross “Tyler” Summitt; sister, Linda; brothers, Tommy, Charles and Kenneth.
According to an obituary on the Pat Summitt Foundation website, details of her burial are as follows:
“A private service and burial for family and friends will be held in Middle Tennessee. A public service to celebrate her life will take place at Thompson-Boling Arena, on the campus of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
“Details for the celebration of life will be shared at a later date.”
We send our condolences to her friends, family members and loved ones.
