Legendary basketball coach Pat Summit dead at 64

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Pat Summitt, the winningest coach in Division I college basketball history who helped boost the women's game to the big time in a 38-year career at Tennessee, has died at 64.

The Pat Summit Foundation posted the following statement on its Facebook page:

"We are deeply saddened to share that Coach Pat Summitt passed away earlier this morning. Click below to read the obituary and statements. Please continue to keep Pat's family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you."

With an icy glare on the sidelines, Summitt led the Lady Vols to eight national championships and prominence on a campus steeped in the traditions of the football-rich south until she retired in 2012.

Her son, Tyler Summitt, issued a statement Tuesday morning saying his mother died peacefully at Sherrill Hill Senior Living in Knoxville surrounded by those who loved her most.

Tyler's statement said "since 2011, my mother has battled her toughest opponent, early onset dementia, 'Alzheimer's Type' ... and we can all find peace in knowing she no longer carries the heavy burden of this disease. "

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.