NHL
Ex-Rangers and Islanders ahead Chris Simon died by suicide, his household stated in an announcement to ESPN.
He was 52.
The household of the 15-year NHL veteran believes he handled power traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative mind illness that worsens over time.
“The household strongly believes and witnessed firsthand, that Chris struggled immensely from CTE which sadly resulted in his dying,” an announcement from by Simon’s former agent, Paul Theofanous, stated on Wednesday morning.
“We’re grieving with the lack of our son, brother, father, accomplice, teammate and pal. The complete Wawa neighborhood is sharing in our grief. We won’t be releasing any additional particulars at the moment and ask for privateness throughout this very tough time. We recognize everybody who shares in our tragic loss.”
Simon was identified for his bodily play, moving into 101 fights and including 1,824 penalty minutes throughout his profession.
He was suspended eight totally different occasions by the NHL, totaling 65 video games.
The Islanders, with whom Simon performed for 2 seasons with, posted an announcement on X on Tuesday following his dying.
“The New York Islanders supply their condolences to the household and associates of former Islanders ahead, Chris Simon,” the group wrote, together with an image of Simon in an Islanders uniform. “Chris performed two seasons with the Islanders (2006-07 and 2007-08). He epitomized what it means to be an Islander, somebody who wore his coronary heart on his sleeve each on the ice and in the neighborhood.”
Simon was drafted twenty fifth general within the 1990 NHL Draft and reached the Stanley Cup Remaining thrice, profitable all of it in 1996 with the Avalanche.
He scored a purpose with two assists within the ’96 playoffs en path to profitable the title.
“Of us…unhappy day immediately…Chris Simon was most undoubtedly an intimidating man on the ice…hell of a participant as effectively…” former teammate Mike Commodore wrote on X. “We spent lots of time collectively throughout Flames 04 run since we have been each dwelling within the lodge…he couldn’t have been nicer to me. RIP Chris. You’ll be missed.”
He completed his profession with 144 targets and 161 assists earlier than taking part in his final NHL recreation in 2008.
The league additionally launched an announcement following his dying.
“The Nationwide Hockey League mourns the passing of Chris Simon, who performed in additional than 800 NHL video games over 15 seasons,” the NHL stated in an announcement. “A fierce competitor and teammate, Simon gained the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996, and reached the 1998 Stanley Cup Remaining with Washington in addition to the 2004 Stanley Cup Remaining with Calgary.
“Our honest condolences exit to his household, associates and former teammates.”
In case you are combating suicidal ideas, you may dial the 24/7 Nationwide Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.