Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has died of a heart attack. He was 80.
Spokesman Howard Rubenstein said Steinbrenner died Tuesday morning after suffering from a heart attack in Tampa, Florida. He was then taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he passed away at about 6:30am, according to an anonymous person close to the owner. He disclosed this to The Associated Press and wishes for his identity to be unknown because the team had not released any detail regarding the loss.
Steinbrenner, who had troublesome health for several years, celebrated his birthday last July 4.
In Steinbrenner field, the Yankees’ spring training complex, the flags were lowered to half-staff. Many employees were in tears, according to The Yankees.
From a statement released by family via CNN:
“It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He was an incredible and charitable man. First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family – his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren. He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again.”
