Kevin McHale's Daughter Sasha Passes Away from Auto-Immune Disease

Alexandra "Sasha" McHale, the daughter of Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale, passed away on Saturday at the age of 22, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. 

Feigen's report also notes that Sasha suffered from lupus and "was hospitalized with a related condition."

McHale took a leave of absence from the Rockets on November 10 for what was called a "family matter." Former Indiana University head coach Kelvin Sampson, who has been an assistant with the Rockets since 2011, has been leading the team in McHale's absence. 

According to USA Today, Sasha had been hospitalized since Nov. 10, the date McHale took his leave of absence from the team. 

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander released a statement on Sunday (via Rockets.com) expressing his and the organization's sorrow over the loss of Sasha McHale:

"

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. Our entire organization is mourning the McHale family's loss and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

"

Kevin McHale was named head coach of the Rockets prior to the start of the 2011 season. He led the Rockets to a 34-32 record in his first season with the team, missing the playoffs by two games. He was a Hall of Fame player, spending his entire 13-year career with the Boston Celtics.