Three Enforcers, Three Deaths

Like many hockey fans, I was stunned by the third death in as many months, of an NHL enforcer, one by suicide, one a supposed accidental overdose, and one determined to be non-suspicious.

The person familiar with Belak’s death said he hanged himself at a downtown luxury hotel and condo building. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity yesterday because details of the investigation were confidential.

[snip]

The body of 27-year-old Rick Rypien of the Winnipeg Jets was discovered earlier this month at his home in Alberta after a police official said a call was answered for a “sudden and non-suspicious’’ death. Former New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard died in May at 28 because of an accidental mix of alcohol and the painkiller oxycodone.