Boogaard Death Due to Mixture of Alcohol & Pain Killers (Updated)

Update, 5:20 p.m.:
The Boogaard family released this statement…

STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF DEREK BOOGAARD

May 20, 2011

The family of Derek Boogaard issued the following statement today through the National Hockey League Players’ Association:

“We would like to express our appreciation for the outpouring of love and support for our family during this difficult period as we grieve the loss of Derek – our son and brother. We are deeply saddened by this unimaginable loss, but we are grateful for the expression of support that has given us strength as we go through this tragic time.

It is very comforting for our family to know that, while Derek’s life was far too short, he had a great impact on many people who he came into contact with. We are proud that Derek was able to live his boyhood dream to play in the National Hockey League. We are even more proud of the fact that Derek was dedicated to making a difference in his adopted communities of Minnesota and New York City, through his countless hours of charitable work.

Earlier today, we received the results of Derek’s toxicology report at the time of his accidental death. After repeated courageous attempts at rehabilitation and with the full support of the New York Rangers, the NHLPA, and the NHL, Derek had been showing tremendous improvement but was ultimately unable to beat this opponent. While he played and lived with pain for many years, his passion for the game, his teammates, and his community work was unstoppable.

Our family would like to like to thank the New York Rangers, the Minnesota Wild, the National Hockey League Players’ Association, and the National Hockey League for supporting Derek’s continued efforts in his battle.

Derek will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten by his fans, friends, and teammates, and especially by us – his family. We respectfully ask for continued privacy as we grieve the loss of Derek.”

Michael Del Zotto, Brandon Prust, Marc Staal and Woljek Wolski will be attending tomorrow’s funeral.

Update, 2:52 p.m.:
Any chance Georges Laraque issues an apology to the Rangers after his statements this week? Yeah I didn’t think so either.

Update, 1:52 p.m.:
Russo reports that when Boogaard missed most of the Wild’s training camp in 2009 and the first two weeks of the season under the guise of a concussion, he also entered Stage 1 of the Substance Abuse & Behavioral Health Program.

…i know it’s never easy to admit you have a problem but when a team covers up for you it makes it that much worse. Fans can be very understanding when one of their team’s players has a problem. I’m sure both Wild and Rangers fans would have rallied around him then the way we are now around his death.

Original Post:
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…the cause of death brings up more questions than answers.

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