The wife of a 31-year-old former sports star whose death rocked America has posted a heartbreaking note about her late husband.
Jimmy Hayes’ wife shared a heartbreaking message to social media a day after the former American hockey star died unexpectedly at the age of 31.
“My angel I love you so much,” Kristen Hayes wrote on her Instagram Story, over a photo of Hayes holding the couple’s two sons, two-year-old Beau and three-month-old Mac.
“I miss you. I don’t know how I’m going to do life without you. You should be here. This isn’t fair.”
Hayes, who spent seven seasons in the NHL and won a national championship at Boston College, was pronounced dead on Monday at the family’s home in the Boston suburb of Milton.
The cause of death was not immediately known but foul play was not suspected, according to the Boston Globe, which cited local authorities and first responders.
According to Instagram posts from his wife, Hayes and his family celebrated the second birthday of son Beau over the weekend.
Known for his big frame as much as his big personality, Hayes had 54 goals and 109 points in 334 NHL games, the last of which came with New Jersey in the 2017-18 season.
“When I think of a ‘locker room guy’ I think of Jimmy ‘Broadway’ Hayes,” former New Jersey Devil Blake Coleman tweeted.
“Very devastating news, he will be missed by so many, he always brought a smile to the rink in our time together in New Jersey.”
The Devils said that Hayes’ “infectious personality and easygoing nature were contagious to all who spent time with him. He had a tremendous ability to make everyone feel welcome. You will be missed, Jimmy”.
After being selected in the second round of the 2008 draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hayes starred for his hometown Boston College and won a national title in 2010, when he tallied 35 points in 42 games.
Following a trade from Toronto, Hayes made his debut with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011 and also played for the Bruins and Panthers.
Hayes last played professionally in the 2018-19 season with the minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After his playing days ended, Hayes joined “Missin Curfew”, a hockey and lifestyle podcast with other former NHL stars Shane O’Brien and Scottie Upshall.
“We lost our brother today,” read a tweet from the podcast’s account. “Goodbye Jimmy, we will love you forever.”
Along with his wife and children, Hayes is survived by his parents and four siblings, including brother Kevin Hayes, a former Ranger who currently plays for the Philadelphia Flyers.
This story first appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission
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