Ex-NHL player Jimmy Hayes has passed away at the age of 31.
The death of the professional sportsman, who was best known for playing for the Boston Bruins, is not being treated as suspicious.
Emergency services rushed to the home of the father-of-two in Milton on Monday morning but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to reports, there’s no indication that Hayes had been sick hours before he was found dead.
He and his wife Kristen had been celebrating their son’s second birthday on Sunday. Kristen even posted an Instagram photo showing them playing games.
The Bruins paid tribute to the father-of-two, writing on Twitter that they are “heartbroken by the passing of Dorchester native and former Bruin Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts are with his wife Kristen, his sons Beau and Mac, and the entire Hayes family during this very difficult time.”
In a statement, the Blackhawks said: “His warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and with our fans.
“We’re proud of the memories he made in Chicago.”
Boston College also released a statement on Twitter along with a photo of Hayes. “Boston College is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family.”
Hayes played 334 games in the NHL for four teams. During his time at Boston College, he contributed to the team’s second NCAA title, registering 22 assists and scoring 13 goals in 42 games.
It was in December 2011 when he made his NHL debut after a trade to the Chicago Blackhawks before he played for the Florida Panthers, where he scored 19 goals and 16 assists in 72 games.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!