Jimmy Hayes, a former NHL player for the Chicago Blackhawks, passed away on 23rd August 2021. Hayes lined up as a right-winger 334 times in the NHL, scoring 54 goals and laying 55 assists. He retired in 2019 and became a co-host of a podcast named Missin Curfew.
Hayes’ death has shocked the NHL community. “I’m devastated to learn of the passing of my friend Jimmy Hayes,” Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron said. “He was so positive and full of life. I’m going to really miss that. We’ve lost a great person.”
Jimmy Hayes’ cause of death is currently unclear, but police have stated that it doesn’t look suspicious
Jimmy Hayes was found dead in his home on the morning of 23rd August 2021. According to the Boston Globe, his cause of death remains unclear, but first responders and police have stated that the death doesn’t appear suspicious.
The death comes a day after Hayes and his wife Kristen celebrated their son’s second birthday. Kristen and Jimmy shared two children: Beau and Mac. Beau recently turned two, and Mac is just over three months old.
Per photos posted by Kristen on Instagram, the family and their friends had a fantastic time during Beau’s birthday celebration. On an Instagram page named raising_hayes, Kristen attached the following caption alongside a series of party photos:
“Let’s keep making more babies. So much fun celebrating these 3 boys over the weekend. The cutest lil friendships (their dads all played hockey together at BC). If you make it to the end that’s a preview of college beau. Can’t wait to watch them grow up together.”
The last post on Hayes’ Instagram was an appreciation of Kristen’s efforts as a mother. “Happy Mother’s Day to this amazing mama!” Hayes wrote. “Can’t thank you enough for what you do for us we love you so much.”
Jimmy leaves behind four siblings: Genevieve, Eileen, Justin, and Kevin; and parents Kevin Sr. and Shelagh. Kevin Hayes plays in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Jimmy and Kevin played together for one season at Boston College. “Boston College Hockey is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes,” Boston College Hockey tweeted. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family.”
Condolences have poured in from the NHL community and organizations associated with Jimmy
Jimmy Hayes played for four teams in NHL, which have sent condolence messages to Hayes and his family.
“We are thinking of the Hayes family and friends during this difficult time,” The New Jersey Devils tweeted. “His infectious personality and easygoing nature were contagious to all who spent time with him.”
Hayes quit the NHL to become a podcaster on Missin Curfew. “We lost our brother today,” reads the message on Missin Curfew’s Twitter page. “Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to the Hayes family. We are heartbroken and absolutely devastated today.”
A rumor has spread on Twitter claiming that the coronavirus vaccine caused Jimmy’s death. Jimmy’s cause of death has yet to be made public, so we can’t confirm whether the rumor is true. Nevertheless, we encourage anyone tweeting to show empathy to Jimmy’s family and loved ones.