Former NHL star Stephen Peat dies aged 44 following tragic accident

Former hockey player Stephen Peat, who played over 100 games in the NHL, has tragically passed away at the age of 44.

The Canadian, who was selected 32nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 1998, reportedly died last month from injuries sustained in a tragic accident.

It happened just days after the hockey world was shocked by the death of Johnny Gaudreau at the age of 31.

The news was confirmed Thursday by the NHL Alumni Association. A statement said the organization was “heartbroken to learn that Stephen Peat passed away from injuries sustained in a tragic accident just over two weeks ago.”

NHL Alumni declined to comment further on the incident surrounding Peat, who was traded to the Washington Capitals in 2000.

He went on to play 130 regular season games for the franchise, scoring 10 points. Peat ended his professional career in the American Hockey League and hung up his skates after the 2006-07 season.

The Capitals paid tribute to Peat with a statement on social media.

“The Washington Capitals extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of former Capitals player Stephen Peat,” the team said. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

NHL alumni, meanwhile, said: “Stephen, in the wake of this tragic accident, will help save countless lives through organ donation.”

Late last month, Gaudreau and his younger brother Matt were killed the night before their sister’s wedding when they were hit 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 to serve as best men at their sister Katie’s wedding.

Sean Higgins, 43, the alleged drunk driver accused of killing the brother and sister, was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide after he struck them as they were bicycling on a Salem County highway.

Family and NHL fans gathered Monday afternoon to remember the brothers at their funeral.

Relatives gathered at St. Mary Magdalen 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 in a heartbreaking speech. “He was and still is my soulmate.”

Matthew’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, who is pregnant with their child, remembers how the brothers “bonded.”