Daughter of Houston Coach McHale dies

• Tweet

HOUSTON, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- The 22-year-old daughter of Houston Rockets Coach Kevin McHale has died after a long battle with an autoimmune disease, the team said Sunday.

Alexandra "Sasha" McHale, a former high school basketball player in Minnesota, was hospitalized with an illness related to lupus earlier this month when McHale took a leave of absence for a then-undisclosed family-related matter, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander issued a statement of condolence to the McHale family Sunday.

"I extend my deepest condolences to Kevin and Lynn for the loss of their beautiful daughter, Sasha, on Saturday afternoon," he said. "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."

Kelvin Sampson has been guiding the squad since McHale left the team Nov. 10.

Sasha McHale wore her father's former No. 32 while playing basketball at Totino-Grace High School in suburban Fridley, Minn., gaining an honorable mention selection for the all-state team in 2008, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

McHale, a native of Hibbing, Minn., is a former head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.