Former Rangers and Islanders forward Chris Simon has died by suicide, his family announced in a statement to ESPN.
He was 52 years old.
The family of the 15-year NHL veteran believes he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that worsens over time.
“The family strongly believes, and has witnessed firsthand, that Chris suffered greatly from CTE, which unfortunately led to his death,” Simon’s former attorney, Paul Theofanas, said in a statement Wednesday morning.
“We are grieving the loss of a son, brother, father, partner, teammate, and friend. The entire Wawa community shares our grief. We will not be releasing any further details at this time. We ask for privacy at this extremely difficult time. We thank everyone for sharing our tragic loss.”
Simon was known for his physical play, appearing in 101 games and adding 1,824 penalties during his career.
He was suspended eight times by the NHL for a total of 65 games.
The Islanders, with whom Simon played for two seasons, published a statement in the X on Tuesday following Simon’s death.
“The New York Islanders extend our condolences to the family and friends of former Islanders forward Chris Simon.” written by the team, along with a photo of Simon in an Islanders uniform. “Chris played two seasons with the Islanders (2006-07 and 2007-08). He was the embodiment of what we should do.”
Simon was the 25th overall pick in the 1990 NHL Draft and went to three Stanley Cup Finals, winning them all in 1996 with the Avalanche.
In the 1996 playoffs, he had one goal and two assists en route to the title.
“Guys…Today was a disappointing day…Chris Simon was definitely a scary guy on the ice…and a player…” Former teammate Mike Commodore wrote about X. “We both lived in a hotel, so we spent a lot of time together during the run of ‘Flames 04’…He couldn’t have been nicer to me. Rest in Peace.” Chris. I will miss you.”
He finished his career with 144 goals and 161 assists before playing his last NHL game in 2008.
The league also released a statement following his death.
“The National Hockey League mourns the loss of Chris Simon, who played more than 800 games in the NHL over 15 seasons,” the NHL said in a statement. “A fierce competitor and teammate, Simon won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996, reached the Stanley Cup Final with Washington in 1998, and reached the Stanley Cup Final with Calgary in 2004. .
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and former teammates.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit the following link: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
