On Sunday morning, a report surfaced on Twitter that Detroit Lions owner and chairman William Clay Ford Sr. has passed away. The news comes from Jennifer Hammond of FOX 2 in Detroit.
#Lions team owner William Clay Ford Sr. has died.
— Jennifer Hammond (@HammerFox2) March 9, 2014
He was 88 years old and would have turned 89 next Saturday. Ford reportedly passed away in his sleep. He was a man that truly loved his team and the entire Lions organization and fan base will miss him greatly.
Ford was the last surviving grandchild of Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company.
William Clay Ford Jr. will now take over the team.
“My father was a great business leader and humanitarian who dedicated his life to the company and the community,” said Ford, Jr., executive chairman, Ford Motor Company said in a statement.
“He also was a wonderful family man, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, yet he will continue to inspire us all.”
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the entire Ford family as they deal through this difficult and trying time following their loss.