NHL forward Rick Rypien, 27, formerly of the Vancouver Canucks and slated to return to the newly reformed Winnipeg Jets this season, died today in his Alberta home.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police released a statement saying that Rypien was discovered dead at approximately 12:30 p.m., of natural causes.
Rypien spent his entire six-season career with the Canucks, with some breaks to play for the organization’s Winnipeg farm team. He reportedly suffered from depression and had left the roster twice in the past two years to get help for his condition. He was suspended and fined last October for an altercation with a fan in Minnesota. He said in a press conference in March that he was at a place where he was ready to handle his personal issues and play hockey.
“I missed a lot of hockey, but certain things needed to be dealt with. I’ve got a totally different mindset now and I’m very excited. I’m more excited about playing hockey than I’ve ever been in my life.”
The Winnipeg Jets released the following statement:
We are deeply saddened to confirm Rick’s passing. As many people are aware, he had strong ties to True North Sports & Entertainment, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, the former Manitoba Moose Hockey Club and the Vancouver Canucks. We would like to express our sincere sympathies to the Rypien family as well as Rick’s friends. We also appreciate all of the support that has come pouring in from Rick’s fans. Rick was a talented player with an extremely bright future. His hunger for the game made him a valued team member both on and off the ice. This loss has impacted us as more than just a hockey team.
The Canucks also released a statement Monday night:
It is with tremendous sadness that the
Vancouver Canucks confirm the passing of
Rick Rypien. Rick has been a beloved member of the Canucks family for the past six years. Rick was a great teammate and friend to our players, coaches and staff. We send our deepest condolences to the Rypien family at this most difficult time.
Rypien is the second NHL player in his 20s to pass away this year. Derek Boogaard, most recently with the New York Rangers, died from a combination alcohol and drug overdose in May.
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