By Keith Thomas
Summer Editor

Tragedy has struck the McQuay family once again as Greg McQuay Sr., father of former Purdue basketball standouts, Gary and Greg Jr., passed away on Monday.

The news of the elder McQuay’s passing comes months after learning his son Gary had been diagnosed with Leukemia.

Greg Jr., who just finished his collegiate basketball career this season with the Boilers, said the family staying strong through all the tragic times and that these incidents have really pulled the family together.

"We haven’t had too much luck in my family," said Greg. "We’re pretty strong. Right now the family is pulling closer than we’ve ever been."

The cause of death for the elder McQuay, 45, of Jackson, Miss., had not been known as of Thursday night as the autopsy results were not completed. According to Greg Jr., his father died of "natural causes."

It’s not all bad news for the McQuay family as Gary’s Leukemia is in remission. His brother expects him to make a full recovery in about a year.

"It’ll probably take him a full year to get back to where he was," McQuay said. "Right now, he’s in remission. "He’s doing a lot better."

As for plans for Gary upon full recovery, his brother said he plans to attend school again.

For now, Greg, Gary and the rest of the McQuay family must cope with the latest bit of bad luck dealt their way.

Funeral arrangements for the elder McQuay in Jackson are pending.