Professional hockey player Jimmy Hayes has died. He was 31.
The athlete waspronounced dead Monday morningat his home in the Boston suburbs, a law enforcement official toldThe Boston Globe. While the cause of Hayes' death has not yet been released, it is not being considered suspicious, according to the outlet.
Boston police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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“His warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and with our fans,” the Blackhawks said in astatement. “We’re proud of the memories he made in Chicago, including making his NHL debut in 2011.”
Jimmy Hayes.Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty
“Boston College Hockey is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes,” Boston Collegewrote in a tweet Monday. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family.”
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Jimmy Hayes.Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty
Hayes played seven seasons in the NHL, with stints on the Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and his hometown team the Boston Bruins, where he played from 2015 to 2017.
Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron said in a statement that Hayes was “a joy to be around both on and off the ice.”
Jimmy Hayes.Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty
“I’ll always remember his big smile — he wasso positive and full of life,” Bergeron continued. “I’m going to really miss that. We’ve lost a great person.”
Hayes last played in the NHL in 2019, and has been hosting a podcast,Missin Curfew, with fellow hockey alums Shane O’Brien and Scottie Upshall.
source: people.com
