Daughter of Rockets coach Kevin McHale dies By Sports Network

Kevin McHale, coach of the Houston Rockets. REUTERS/Richard Carson

Houston, TX - Alexandra "Sasha" McHale, the daughter of Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale, died Saturday. She was 22 years old.

McHale took a leave of absence from the team earlier this month to be with his family for an undisclosed matter in Minneapolis.

According to the Houston Chronicle, "Sasha" McHale had long battled lupus, an auto-immune disease, and had been hospitalized with a related condition.

"I extend my deepest condolences to Kevin and Lynn for the loss of their beautiful daughter, Sasha, on Saturday afternoon," said Rockets owner Leslie Alexander in a statement on Sunday. "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 left the team Nov. 10 and there was no timetable for his return.

Kelvin Sampson has been handling the head coaching duties in McHale's absence.