AN 11-year-old hockey player has died after a puck hit him in the throat and left him in intensive care for days.
The Canadian child was practicing at a complex in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, on Tuesday when the tragedy unfolded.
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On Friday, Saint-Eustache police confirmed his death in a heartwrenching statement.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones,” the department wrote.
The child was struck at around 7 pm, and emergency responders raced him to a nearby hospital in Montreal.
He was wearing all of the required protective equipment when he was hit, including a neck guard, police said.
It’s still under investigation how the incident proved fatal.
The tragedy has left the city in shock, and psychological support is being offered to those affected by the death.
“All of our energy is currently focused on supporting the community and the loved ones of families most directly affected by this situation,” said Saint-Eustache Mayor Pierre Charron in a statement.
“On my behalf and that of the municipal council, I send all my positive thoughts to this young athlete and his family.”
The president of the Saint-Eustache Minor Hockey Association Jean-Philippe Labrèche encouraged anyone involved in the hockey league to take advantage of resources as they reckon with the death.
“We understand the impact of this event on those who witnessed it, as well as on parents, volunteers and all those who support our young hockey players,” Labrèche said in a statement.
Tuesday’s tragedy comes after other graphic hockey accidents raised questions about safety measures in the sport.
Former National Hockey League star Adam Johnson, 29, died on October 28, 2023, after he suffered a fatal gash to his throat during a game.
Thousands of fans in the arena watched in horror as he tried to stumble back to the bench before collapsing on the ice.
And weeks later, Jonas Nyhus Myhre, 19, had his chest slashed open by an opponent’s skate whilst playing for his team, Lørenskog, against Storhamar in the Norweigan ice hockey league.
Myhre survived the incident but remembered feeling like his chest was being completely split in half.
Bouquets of flowers have been left at the complex where the young boy was killed as locals struggle to find the words to remember him by.
“I am devastated to learn of the death of the young hockey player,” Isabelle Charest, Quebec’s minister of sports and leisure, said in a statement.
“I offer my condolences and thoughts to his family, friends and teammates.”
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