Report: Brother of Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has passed away

Joe McCarthy (2011)



PITTSBURGH -- Joe McCarthy, the brother of Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy passed away on Wednesday, January 21st. He was just 47 years old.

The passing has been confirmed by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office. That office says Joe McCarthy collapsed while playing racquetball at a Pittsburgh gym. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Mike McCarthy



Mike McCarthy was supposed to hold his season-ending press conference with his assistant coaches Wednesday, but abruptly canceled the interviews upon learning the news.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday for Joe McCarthy. Funeral arrangements haven't yet been announced.

Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy issued this statement: "The Packers family was very saddened today to learn of the passing of Joseph McCarthy III, the younger brother of Mike McCarthy. Our sincere condolences are with Joe and Ellen, Mike and Jessica, and the entire McCarthy family. The McCarthy family appreciates the overwhelming support they have received, as well as the respect for their privacy, during this difficult time.”

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.