Ex-Rangers and Islanders ahead Chris Simon died by suicide, his household mentioned in a press release to ESPN.
The household of the 15-year NHL veteran believes he handled continual 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,” a press release from by Simon’s former agent, Paul Theofanous, mentioned on Wednesday morning.
“We’re grieving with the lack of our son, brother, father, accomplice, teammate and good friend. The whole Wawa neighborhood is sharing in our grief. We won’t be releasing any additional particulars presently 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, entering 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 a press release on X on Tuesday following his dying.
“The New York Islanders supply their condolences to the household and mates of former Islanders ahead, Chris Simon,” the crew 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 3 times, successful all of it in 1996 with the Avalanche.
He scored a aim with two assists within the ’96 playoffs en path to successful the title.
“People…unhappy day right now…Chris Simon was most positively an intimidating man on the ice…hell of a participant as effectively…” former teammate Mike Commodore wrote on X. “We spent quite a lot of time collectively throughout Flames 04 run since we had 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 a press release 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 mentioned in a press release. “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, mates and former teammates.”
In case you are battling suicidal ideas, you’ll be able to dial the 24/7 Nationwide Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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