NHL enforcer Rick Rypien found dead
Posted Aug 15, 2011 9:20 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Winnipeg Jets forward Rick Rypien was found dead in his Alberta home Monday afternoon.
RCMP in Crowsnest Pass say his death is not considered suspicious.
Rypien is the second active NHL player found dead in the off-season. Former New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard died in May.
The Vancouver Canucks issued a statement Monday night, saying Rick was a great teammate and friend to their players, coaches and staff during his six years with the franchise.
Fans created a Facebook tribute page and memorial event shortly after the reports of the 27-year-old’s death surfaced, and former and current teammates posted condolences on Twitter.
“Sad to hear about Rick Rypien,” posted Jets captain Andrew Ladd. “I was looking forward to playing with him in Winnipeg. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Hockey fans on Twitter wrote Rypien was always willing to battle and defend his teammates on the ice and fans added, that’s how they will remember him.
On Monday night, Rypien’s agent, Allain Roy, said the player was really looking forward to being a member of the Winnipeg Jets.
