Family: Claims of Paterno Death Not True; Former Coach Still Fighting

Reports that Joe Paterno has died are incorrect, according to a number of sources.

“I appreciate the support & prayers,” reads a tweet sent from Jay Paterno’s Twitter account at 9:21 p.m. Saturday. “Joe is continuing to fight.”

At 9:22 p.m., a tweet appeared under the account of Scott Paterno, another of Joe and Sue Paterno’s sons. It reads: “CBS report is wrong – Dad is alive but in serious condition. We continue to ask for your prayers and privacy during this time.”

And at 9 p.m., New York Times reporter Mark Viera posted this on Twitter: “Dan McGinn, the Paterno family spokesman, at 8:57 p.m. on reports about Joe Paterno’s death: ‘Absolutely not true.’”

Onward State, CBS Sports and radio station B94.5 had been claiming that Joe Paterno, 85, the former Penn State football coach, died.

Earlier Saturday, The Associated Press, citing a family spokesman, reported that Paterno is in serious condition as he fights lung cancer.

The news spurred an outpouring in State College, as hundreds of people gathered at the Paterno statue outside Beaver Stadium. At the Paterno family home in College Heights, a few people arrived with candles, flowers and prayers.

State College borough police blocked off vehicular access in the area of McKee Street where the Paterno home is located. Borough Manager Tom Fountaine said that was done out of respect and privacy concerns for the family. Access was maintained for residents of the neighborhood, he said.

Earlier coverage

• AP: Joe Paterno in Serious Condition, Experiencing Health Complications, Spokesman Says (Jan. 21, 2012)