Canadian professional hockey player Chris Simon died at the age of 52.
Simon’s family confirmed his death in a statement he released ESPN Tuesday and shared by his former agent, Paul Theofanouson, who linked his death to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) — which the Mayo Clinic describes as a brain disorder “probably caused by repeated head trauma.”
CTE also worsens over time and can only be diagnosed with a brain autopsy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“The family strongly believes and has witnessed first hand that Chris had an immense battle with CTE which unfortunately resulted in his death,” according to a statement regarding Simon’s probable cause of death.
“We mourn the loss of a son, brother, father, partner, teammate and friend. All of Wawa [Ontario] the community shares our grief. We will not be releasing any additional details at this time and ask for your privacy during this very difficult time. We appreciate everyone who shares our tragic loss,” the message concludes.
Chris Simon.
Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty
Former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov died of “apparent suicide” in Miami: police
The NHL Alumni Association also paid tribute to Simon, writing on X (formerly known as Twitter) that “The NHL Alumni Association is devastated to learn that Stanley Cup champion Chris Simon has passed away at the age of 52.”
The message noted that Simon was drafted 25th overall in 1990 by the Philadelphia Flyers, adding “He would have a long NHL career, playing for eight different teams, appearing in 782 regular season games and scoring 305 points.”
The tribute also mentioned how Simon helped the Colorado Avalanche win their first Stanley Cup during the 1995-96 season, adding, “Chris was never afraid to stand up for his teammates and played a key role in the locker room. He was a beloved friend, father, brother and son.”
“We send our deepest condolences to Chris’ family, friends and former teammates at this very difficult time,” the message continued. “The family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”
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Chris Simon.
Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty
Avalanche president Joe Sakic added in a statement, per ESPN“Chris was a great guy, a beloved teammate and an important part of our first league season.”
“He was a really good hockey player who could score goals, he was a presence in the locker room and he was the first person to stand up and defend his teammates. Off the ice he was an amazing guy and a caring father, son, brother, and friend. We will miss him very much to miss,” continued Sakić.
During his career, Simon, who was one of the most feared forwards in hockey, also played for the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders and Minnesota Wild, and spent most of his career with the Washington Capitals. He last played in the NHL in the 2007-08 season, before playing in the KHL in Russia.
Konstantin Koltsov, former Penguins player and boyfriend of Arya Sabalenka, died at 42.
Simon’s Canadian teammate and former teammate Mike Commodore was among those who paid their respects.
“Guys…sad day today…Chris Simon was definitely a scary guy on the ice…hell and a great player…we spent a lot of time together during the Flames 04 run because we were both living in a hotel…he couldn’t have been nicer to me. RIP Chris.” You will be missed,” Commodore wrote.
The Washington Capitals also dealt a statement on X, writing that the team is “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Simon.”
“Chris was a fixture in Washington for seven seasons and was an integral member of the 1998 team that reached the first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history. Our entire organization extends our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the message added.
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Simon’s death follows the death of former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, the boyfriend of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, who died by suicide on Monday.
“According to investigators, on Monday, March 18, 2024, at approximately 12:39 AM, Bal Harbor Police and Fire Department were dispatched to St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort, 9703 Collins Avenue, in reference to a man who jumped from a balcony,” the Miami-Dade Police Department said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Line at 741741 or going to 988lifeline.org.
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