Press Release

                 For Immediate Release: 1/22/12

Joe Paterno Loses the Battle to Lung Cancer

State College, PA- At the age of 85, Joe Paterno known as “Joe Pa”, Penn State’s beloved and longtime football coach dies from lung cancer. Joe Pa died at Mount Nittany Medical Center at 9:25 am est and was surrounded by family.  The hospital stated that the cause of death was from the cancer continuing to spread.

The Paterno family made an official statement early Sunday confirming his death. The statement mentioned that, “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.” Paterno had an impressive career as Penn State’s Nittany Lions head coach for about 50 years making the football program an inspiration to many.

According to his son Scott, Joe Pa had been battling cancer since he was diagnosed last November during a bronchial illness follow-up appointment. Paterno had recently been in the hospital due to problems associated with his cancer treatments.

During his time at Penn State, Joe Pa guided about 350 players to the NFL. He also led the Lions to two national championships, 37 bowl games, and won about 400 games making him the most memorable coach in football history. He is survived by his loving wife, five kids, and 17 grandchildren.

Contact:

Kareta Johnson, Reporter

500-500-5000

Knowledge and New Media Newspaper

karetajohnson@knm.com

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BREAKING NEWS: Penn State’s Joe Paterno died from lung cancer today at age 85. Sources say he had been in the hospital since mid-January with complications from cancer treatments. You can check out more details on this story here! [link to story]

References:

Hiserman, M. (2012, January 22). Joe Paterno died as his lung cancer spread; his family releases statement. LA Times.  Retrieved from http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2012/01/joe-paterno-died-of-spreading-lung-cancer-his-family-releases-statement.html

Joseph Vincent Paterno. (2014). Biography.com. Retrieved May 12, 2014, from http://www.biography.com/people/joe-paterno-9434584.