The family of former NHL enforcer Chris Simon has revealed that he was suffering from Stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death by suicide at age 52. Simon, known for his physical style of play and role as an enforcer, had a 15-season NHL career with teams including the Colorado Avalanche, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 1996. Log in or sign up to view+6SooToday+6Reddit+6DIE WELT+2Wikipedia+2AP News+2
After his death in March 2024, Simon’s family donated his brain to the Boston University CTE Center for analysis. The post-mortem examination confirmed he had Stage 3 CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Symptoms of this stage include memory loss, depression, and apathy, which Simon reportedly experienced in his later years. Reddit+1Daily Faceoff+1SooToday
Simon’s family believes that his struggles with CTE significantly contributed to his mental health decline and eventual suicide. They have spoken out to raise awareness about the risks of repeated head injuries in contact sports and the need for better support for athletes dealing with long-term effects. Yahoo Sports+11Wikipedia+11houseofhockey.net+11The Guardian+2Reddit+2Concussion Legacy Foundation+2
Throughout his career, Simon was known for his toughness on the ice, accumulating over 1,800 penalty minutes and facing multiple suspensions. Off the ice, he was remembered as a kind and caring individual. His death has prompted discussions within the hockey community about player safety and the long-term impacts of the enforcer role. AP News+1CityNews Toronto+1
The Concussion Legacy Foundation and other organizations continue to advocate for research and policy changes to protect athletes from the dangers of repeated head trauma. Simon’s case underscores the importance of these efforts and the need for increased awareness and support for those affected by CTE.
