New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner died today (Jul. 13). He had just celebrated his 80th birthday July 4.
“It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He passed away this morning in Tampa, Fla., at age 80,” the Steinbrenner family said in a statement.
“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 had a heart attack, was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla., and died at about 5:30 a.m, according to multiple reports.
The Steinbrenner family said that funeral arrangements will be private, however details about an additional public service will be announced at a later date.
Steinbrenner was in fragile health for years, resulting in fewer public appearances and pronouncements. Yet dressed in his trademark navy blue blazer and white turtleneck, he was the model of success: The Yankees won seven World Series titles after his reign began in 1973.
His death was the second in three days to rock the Yankees. Bob Sheppard, the team’s revered public address announcer from 1951-07, died Sunday at 99.
Information from Espn.com and the Associated Press contributed to this report.