Alexandra “Sasha” McHale Photo: Condolences Pour In for Daughter of Houston Rockets' Coach Kevin McHale
Alexandra "Sasha" McHale, the daughter of Houston Rockets' coach Kevin McHale passed away on Saturday after battling an autoimmune disease. She was 23 years old.
McHale had been on a leave of absence since Nov. 10 to be with his daughter. Sasha McHale had lupus, a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. She was hospitalized with a related condition, according to the Houston Chronicle.
"I extend my deepest condolences to Kevin and Lynn for the loss of their beautiful daughter, Sasha, on Saturday afternoon. Kevin and Lynn are loving and dedicated parents who will need our continued support throughout this very difficult time," Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement on the Rocket's website Sunday.
"Our entire organization is mourning the McHale family's loss and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers."
Kelvin Sampson, the assistant coach, has been coaching the team during McHale leave of absence.
Rockets' player James Harden tweeted his condolences for McHale.
"Praying for coach McHale and his family."
Rockets' forward Chandler Parsons added on Twitter: "R.I.P. Sasha."
Minnesota Timberwolves' owner Glen Taylor also released a statement. McHale coached the Timberwolves before joining the Rockets.
"While Kevin was with our organization, we all watched Sasha grow up and become an outstanding young woman," Taylor said in a statement, according to the New York Daily News. "She will be sorely missed by her family and friends."
Sasha seemed to have a good relationship with her father. She posted pictures of him on her twitter account @SashaMcHale and seemed to share his love for the Rockets.
"The only good thing about being sick on my birthday is spending quality time with my dad. He's lucky I love my @HoustonRockets," she tweeted on October 27.
Her last tweet was on Nov. 3 when she cheered up for the Rockets.