Former hockey player Stephen Peat, who played more than 100 games in the NHL, has tragically died at the age of 44.
The Canadian, who was drafted 32nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 1998, is believed to have died from his injuries following a tragic accident last month.
This comes just days after the hockey world was rocked by the death of Johnny Gaudreau at the age of just 31.
The NHL Alumni Association confirmed the news on Thursday. In a statement, the organization said it was “heartbroken to learn that Stephen Peat passed away from injuries sustained following a tragic accident just over two weeks ago.”
NHL alumni did not shed further light on the incident involving Peat, who was traded to the Washington Capitals in 2000.
Former NHL player Stephen Peat has tragically died at the age of 44, it was learned Thursday.
He played 130 regular season games for the franchise and scored 10 points. Peat finished his professional career in the American Hockey League and hung up his skates after the 2006/07 season.
“Following this tragic accident, Stephen will help save numerous lives through organ donation,” NHL Alumni continued.
‘We send our deepest condolences to Stephen’s family, friends and former teammates during this difficult time.’
Late last month, Gaudreau and his younger brother Matt were killed on the eve of their sister’s wedding when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in New Jersey.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene, about 35 miles south of Philadelphia. Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matt, 29, were set to be best men at their sister Katie’s wedding.
Sean Higgins, 43, the suspected drunk driver accused of killing the brothers, was charged with two counts of death by motor vehicle accident after hitting them while they were riding bicycles on a road in Salem County.
Family and NHL fans gathered to remember the brothers at their funeral Monday afternoon.
Mourners flocked to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania, for the service, which took place less than two weeks after the fatal crash.
The brothers’ widows paid emotional tribute to their husbands on Monday, recalling the close bond they shared as siblings and their dedication to family.
Johnny’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, also revealed that she is pregnant with their third child.
“I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be his wife,” Meredith said during a heartbreaking speech. “He was and still is my soulmate.”
Matthew’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, who is pregnant with their child, recalled how the brothers “were very close.”
