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Tennessee-Martin men's basketball coach Anthony Stewart, 50, dies suddenly as his son and Skyhawks guard Parker says goodbye to his 'hero'

Tennessee-Martin men's basketball coach Anthony Stewart died unexpectedly on Sunday at age 50, but the school has not revealed the cause of death.

'We are stunned to hear this tragic news,' Skyhawks athletic director Kurt McGiffin said in a news release. 'Coach Stewart was a true leader to every one of the young men he coached. He emphasized the meaning of a college degree and instilled professionalism in each of his student-athletes. 

'We ask for privacy during this difficult time.'

Stewart was aiming to return to the court this week after his Skyhawks players were forced to stop practicing due to a false positive coronavirus test, according to Stadium's Jeff Goodman.  

Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks Head Coach Anthony Stewart talks with players during a timeout in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) college basketball game between the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks and the Eastern Illinois Panthers on January 18, 2018, at Lantz Arena in Illinois

Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks Head Coach Anthony Stewart talks with players during a timeout in the Ohio Valley Conference college basketball game between the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks and the Eastern Illinois Panthers on January 18, 2018, at Lantz Arena in Illinois

Stewart looks on during the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) college basketball game between the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks and the Eastern Illinois Panthers on January 18, 2018Stewart leaves behind a wife and three children. One of his sons, Parker (pictured), is a junior guard for the Skyhawks and averaged 19.2 points last season for the Ohio Valley Conference school. He initially enrolled at Pittsburgh, but transferred to UT-Martin to play for his father

Stewart leaves behind a wife and three children. One of his sons, Parker , is a junior guard for the Skyhawks and averaged 19.2 points last season for the Ohio Valley Conference school. He initially enrolled at Pittsburgh, but transferred to UT-Martin to play for his father

Maine basketball coach Bob Walsh called Stewart 'the best of what college basketball is about'

Maine basketball coach Bob Walsh called Stewart 'the best of what college basketball is about'

'UT Martin head coach Anthony Stewart's passing is absolutely heartwrenching,' Goodman tweeted. 'I was texting with him this morning. He said that his team had been shut down on Thursday, but then it wound up being a false COVID positive test. Was hoping his team could return to practice this week.' 

Stewart went 53-73 in four seasons at UT Martin, including a 9-20 mark last season. The Skyhawks went 22-13 in his first season (2016-17) to match the school mark for victories.

He leaves behind a wife and three children. 

One of his sons, Parker, is a junior guard for the Skyhawks and averaged 19.2 points last season for the Ohio Valley Conference school. He initially enrolled at Pittsburgh, but transferred to UT-Martin to play for his father. 

Parker shared his grief on Instagram late Sunday night, writing to his father and posting a picture of the two of them on the court together.  

Stewart went 53-73 in four seasons at UT Martin, including a 9-20 mark last season. The Skyhawks went 22-13 in his first season (2016-17) to match the school mark for victories

Stewart went 53-73 in four seasons at UT Martin, including a 9-20 mark last season. The Skyhawks went 22-13 in his first season (2016-17) to match the school mark for victories

'This is my letter to you, since I won't get to tell you myself,' Parker wrote. 'Tell God I may not ever understand this one. This is the worst day of my life. 

'You were my hero dad. You always said you owed back in this life, and you always gave everybody a chance who was counted out. You worked so hard just so we didn't have to grow up like you did. You raised me from a boy to a man. You taught me how to play the game I love, but most importantly you taught me about life, and I'll remember every lesson. You brightened up any room, you were always the funniest and had the craziest stories. You would do anything for your family. 

Parker Stewart wrote to his father on Instagram, calling him his 'hero'

Parker Stewart wrote to his father on Instagram, calling him his 'hero' 

'I'm gonna walk across that stage this month with my Master's degree, just like you planned for me when I came back home to play for you. I know you always had my back, you wanted my dreams to come true even more than I did sometimes. I'm still working on the other part of the plan.

'I promise I'll give it my all to try to make it there. I might not ever shake this one off. You know I'll protect the family with my life. I hope I'll make you proud. A legend in my book, and the realest coach on the planet. Basketball didn't matter, you knew there was so much more to life. See you soon. Words will never explain how much I love you. Rest in Heaven.'

As Parker did, UT Martin Chancellor Dr. Keith Carver recognized Stewart for turning his players into responsible citizens and leaders. 

'What I will remember most about Coach Stewart was his focus in developing our young men to be leaders in their community, leaders in the workforce and leaders in their homes,' Carver said in the news release. 'He always stressed the development of the entire person, well beyond athletics.' 

Many members of the coaching community shared their grief on social media as well. 

'Our sincerest condolences to Anthony Stewart's family,' tweeted former Nebraska coach Tim Miles. 'We recruited Parker (who played for his Dad at @SkyhawkHoops) and got to know the family well. Coach Stewart was a great leader for his program and family.' 

Stewart was aiming to return to the court this week after his Skyhawks players were forced to stop practicing due to a false positive coronavirus test, according to Stadium's Jeff Goodman

Stewart was aiming to return to the court this week after his Skyhawks players were forced to stop practicing due to a false positive coronavirus test, according to Stadium's Jeff Goodman

Kansas State associate coach Chris Lowery said Anthony Stewart was like a brother to him

Kansas State associate coach Chris Lowery said Anthony Stewart was like a brother to him

Troy University assistant Jermaine Johnson said Stewart 'empowered' him to become a coach

Troy University assistant Jermaine Johnson said Stewart 'empowered' him to become a coach

Louisville assistant Luke Murray was one of many coaches to offer prayers for the Stewarts

Louisville assistant Luke Murray was one of many coaches to offer prayers for the Stewarts

Several coaches offered their prayers, including Xavier's Travis Steele and Louisville assistant Luke Murray.  

Meanwhile, Maine basketball coach Bob Walsh called Stewart 'the best of what college basketball is about'. 

Stewart was associate head coach for two seasons before becoming UT Martin's head coach. He also spent time as an assistant at Columbus State Community College (2001-04), Long Beach State (2004-06), Wyoming (2007-11), Southern Illinois (2011-12) and Ohio University (2012-14). 

He had previously been a private business entrepreneur.  

A native of Akron, Ohio, Stewart played college basketball and baseball at Division III Mount Union in Ohio and the Purple Raiders paid tribute to him on Twitter.

'Anthony Stewart was a @mountunionalum and former men's basketball player from Akron, Ohio ... Our thoughts and prayers to his family #d3hoops,' the school tweeted. 

Stewart was associate head coach for two seasons before becoming UT Martin's head coach. He also spent time as an assistant at Columbus State (Ohio) Community College (2001-04), Long Beach State (2004-06), Wyoming (2007-11), Southern Illinois (2011-12) and Ohio University (2012-14)

Stewart was associate head coach for two seasons before becoming UT Martin's head coach. He also spent time as an assistant at Columbus State Community College (2001-04), Long Beach State (2004-06), Wyoming (2007-11), Southern Illinois (2011-12) and Ohio University (2012-14)

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