Canadian professional ice hockey player Chris Simon has passed away at the age of 52. His family confirmed his death in a statement linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disorder likely caused by repeated head injuries. CTE worsens over time and can only be diagnosed posthumously through a brain autopsy.
Simon, a Stanley Cup Champion, was drafted 25th overall in 1990 by the Philadelphia Flyers and had a successful NHL career, playing for eight different teams and appearing in 782 regular-season games. He notably helped the Colorado Avalanche win their first Stanley Cup in the 1995-96 season.
Simon, known as one of hockey's most feared enforcers, played for various teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, and Minnesota Wild. He spent the majority of his career with the Washington Capitals before retiring from the NHL in the 2007-08 season.
His passing has deeply saddened the NHL community, with tributes pouring in from the NHL Alumni Association, Avalanche president Joe Sakic, former teammates, and the Washington Capitals. Simon's former teammate Mike Commodore described him as an intimidating player on the ice and a kind individual off the ice.
Simon's death comes shortly after the tragic suicide of former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov. Koltsov, the boyfriend of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, died by suicide by jumping from a balcony at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help by contacting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, texting 'STRENGTH' to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visiting 988lifeline.org.
