This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The family of Stanley Cup champion Chris Simon “strongly believes” that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) contributed to his death, announced Wednesday through his agent Paul Theofanas.
Simon, who played for several NHL teams during his career including the Colorado Avalanche, died by suicide, his family announced. He was 52 years old.
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New York Islanders left wing #12 Chris Simon warms up before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Center on November 20, 2006 in Toronto. (Tom Scherbowski-USA TODAY Sports)
“The family strongly believes, and witnessed firsthand, that Chris suffered greatly from CTE, which unfortunately led to his death,” Theofanas said in a statement. “We are not releasing any further details at this time and ask for privacy at this very difficult time. We thank everyone for sharing our tragic loss.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, CTE is a “progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as concussions or repeated blows to the head.” CTE is also associated with the development of dementia later in life. It is mainly associated with football players.
Simon died Monday night in his hometown of Wawa, Ontario, Canada, according to a spokesperson for the NHL Players Association who contacted the former player’s agent.
San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov (left) makes a save from Calgary Flames’ Chris Simon during the third period of the NHL playoffs on Sunday, May 16, 2004 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press via AP, File)
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“Chris was a great guy, a beloved teammate, and an integral part of our first championship season,” Avalanche team president Joe Sakic said in a statement. “He was a really good hockey player who could score goals, a big presence in the dressing room and the first one to stand up and protect his teammates. He was an unbelievable guy on the ice, a caring father, He was my son, my brother and my friend. He will be sorely missed.”
The NHL also released a statement.
“The National Hockey League mourns the loss of Chris Simon, who played in more than 800 NHL games over 15 seasons,” the league 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.”
Chris Simon of the New York Rangers celebrates his second-period goal against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on Thursday, February 26, 2004 in Uniondale, New York. (AP Photo/Ed Betts, File)
He played in the NHL from 1992 to 2008. He also played for the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Minnesota Wild.
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He scored 72 goals in 320 games.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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