Joe Paterno Dies from Lung Cancer at age 85

Press Release

**This is a mock press release written as an assignment for Knowledge & New Media at Southern New Hampshire University. Please look at references below for more information.**

Penn State Athletics
University Park
State College, PA 16801
(814)865-4700

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Michele M. Jackson
Penn State Athletics
(814)865-4700
michelemjackson@psu.edu


Joe Paterno, the longest serving head coach in college football until he was fired in the wake of a child abuse allegations against a long time assistant, Jerry Sandusky, died Sunday from lung cancer. He was 85.

In a statement released by his family Sunday morning announcing his death, "He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, though only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community." 

Paterno died at 9:25am at Mount Nittany Medical Center due to lung cancer spreading throughout his body, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. He was surrounded by his family, who have requested privacy at this time. Paterno was survived by his wife, children, and 17 grandchildren.(biography.com)

Paterno became the head coach for Penn State's football team in 1966. After a staggering 46 years as head coach, two national championships, named the National Coach of the Year five times, and a final record of 409-136-3.

His coaching career came to an end in 2011 after his former defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, was charged with assaulting 10 boys over a 15 year period. Paterno was supposedly informed of one incident in 2002 at the universities sports complex and did not follow up on the allegations. As a result the university announced his release as head coach on November 9th, 2011. As a result two additional top university officials stepped down after being charged with perjury following the Sandusky investigation. Even after the child abuse scandal, Paterno's legacy still remains intact. 

"You can't ignore the great years he had at Penn State and the great things he did for Penn State. That university is known for Joe Paterno and Sue. It's just a great tragedy." - Bobby Bowden, former Florida State Seminoles head coach from 1976-2009.

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Facebook Post

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the longtime football head coach Joe Paterno this morning at Mount Nittany Medical Center. He was 85. Paterno had been battling lung cancer since November 2011. We are keeping his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. Visitation and funeral details will be announced once arrangements have been made by his family. 


References: 

Hyland, T. (2012). The Lion King: Joe Paterno. About.com website. Retrieved 09:41pm, Aug 02, 2014, from http://collegefootball.about.com/od/coachinggreats/a/coach-Paterno.htm

Paterno, J. V. (2014). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 09:57pm, Aug 02, 2014, from http://www.biography.com/people/joe-paterno-9434584#final-days