Jimmy Hayes dead latest – Hundreds pay respects to ex-NHL star and former Bruins player ahead of funeral on Monday
HUNDREDS of people said their goodbyes to ex-NHL star and Boston College Jimmy Hayes at his wake on Sunday.
More than 200 people paid their respects to the late hockey player in Florian Hall in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Hayes' Funeral Mass will take place in St. Ann’s Church, Neponset, at 10am on Monday, August 30.
Hayes, 31, died suddenly last week at home, leaving his wife and two children devastated, cops say.
According to the , law enforcement and first responders went to Hayes’ home in Milton, Massachusetts, on the morning of August 23, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities say Hayes’ cause of death is still unknown and is being treated as unexplained.
His death was not ruled suspicious, reported the outlet.
The news of Hayes’ sudden death rocked the hockey world as fans and his former teams penned tributes to the player on social media.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, the team Hayes played in during the 2018 - 2019 season tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former @WBSPenguins forward, Jimmy Hayes. The Penguins organization sends our thoughts and prayers to Jimmy's family, friends, and former teammates during this extremely difficult time.”
Read our Jimmy Hayes live blog below for the latest news & updates...
DEATH REMAINS UNKNOWN AFTER AUTOPSY
Medical examiners in the state confirmed that an autopsy had been conducted but the hockey player’s cause of death still remains unknown.
In an email sent to the , they said: “The cause and manner of death remain pending and an update is not expected for several weeks when toxicology testing comes back.”
Autopsy reports in Massachusetts are not public documents.
JIMMY'S WIFE SHARES HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE
"On Wednesday we took family photos," Jimmy's wife Kristen captioned a post on Instagram.
"Little did I know they would be our last photos of a family of four."
"I have no words," she added. "I’m heartbroken. We miss you. We love you. You should be here."
PHOTOGRAPHER’S TRIBUTE TO HAYES (part three)
Servidone Studios concluded the photo caption by saying: “You, Beau, Mac and Maui are in my thoughts daily. Life just isn’t fair. Grief is an absolute beast; take care of yourselves and hug those beautiful babies tight. (They look just like their father)
“Thank you for having me capture such momentous occasions in your lives; it was my absolute honor.
“Jimmy, you will be MISSED. Thank you for all the laughs and your kindness. RIP.”
PHOTOGRAPHER’S TRIBUTE TO HAYES (part two)
The photographer’s caption continued: “Walking up to his tall frame, initially, you may be a little intimidated, but he was so warm, genuine, and RIDICULOUSLY funny; by the time you parted ways, you had a huge smile on your face and you felt like old friends.
“Kristen, I will NEVER forget how that wonderful man of yours LOVED you. When we were on the beach at Wychmere, he looked at me and said, ‘Have you ever photographed a more beautiful bride?’ and I giggled, enjoying how much he was loving his wedding day… and then he said, ‘No, really?!!!!’”
“The way that you two looked at each other and the way that he made you laugh (with your entire being) will stick with me forever. I was a blubbering mess going through some of your photo galleries this week. Do you remember when we got caught in the pouring rain during your engagement session? Good times.”
PHOTOGRAPHER'S TRIBUTE TO HAYES
Servidone Studios took to Instagram to remember Hayes, a man who was "so full of life."
In a lengthy caption to photos which appear to be taken on Hayes' wedding day, the photographer wrote: "I didn't know if I should post, but I now figure the more posts that the Hayes family sees to support them and give them strength telling them fond anecdotes about their Jimmy, the better.
"I am shocked and devastated for the entire Hayes/Valente family and their huge network of close friends.
"How could someone so full of life be taken away so soon?! Honestly, it didn't seem like it could be real.
"I have been reading and re-reading every little tribute about Jimmy this week.
"What you are reading about him is 100% true."
HOW MANY CHILDREN DID JIMMY HAYES HAVE?
Jimmy and his wife, Kristen Hayes, shared two young boys together — Beau, two, and Mac, three months, according to the .
In addition to his wife and kids, the late athlete is survived by sisters Genevieve, Eileen, and Justine, and his younger brother, .
KRISTEN HAYES SHARED SWEET PHOTOS WITH COUPLE'S KIDS DAY BEFORE JIMMY'S DEATH
, Jimmy Hayes' wife, shared just a day before her husband died and wrote, “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),” she added.
She concluded that she couldn’t “wait to watch them grow up together,” alongside a blue heart emoji.
WHAT WAS JIMMY HAYES’ PODCAST?
Jimmy Hayes co-hosted a podcast with fellow former NHL players Shane O’Brien and Scotties Upshall called “Missin Curfew” since August 2020.
The podcast’s last live show was on August 5, according to .
'WE MISS YOU DADDY'
Jimmy’s wife Kristen took to her on Saturday to share a photo of one of her sons and her late husband.
She wrote: "My poor beauy is having a tough morning. Please keep him in your prayers today.
"We miss you daddy."
Credit: Kristen Hayes / Instagram
WHO IS KRISTEN HAYES?
Kirsten Hayes is the wife of NHL player Jimmy Hayes.
They were together for a number of years before Jimmy’s sudden death.
They first met through a mutual friend and dated for a couple of years before becoming engaged and they exchanged wedding vows in July 2018.
Kristen posts lots of family photos on her Instagram page, .
'ONE OF THE BEST DUDES EVER'
Barstool Sports blogger Mike Grinnell said Hayes was "one of the best dudes ever."
"Completely lost for words," he wrote on Twitter.
"Jimmy Hayes was one of the best dudes ever. My thoughts are with his wife, two boys and the entire Hayes family."
"A true legend in every aspect of the world who will be very, very missed."
HOW MANY MEDALS DID JIMMY WIN?
Hayes won silver medals with Team USA in the 2007 Under-18 World Junior Championship and the 2009 U-20s.
Jimmy played with the Blackhawks, Panthers, , and the Devils over seven seasons before his death.
FORMER TEAMS REMEMBER JIMMY
The Pittsburgh Penguins, the team Hayes played in during the 2018 – 2019 season tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former @WBSPenguins forward, Jimmy Hayes.
“The Penguins organization sends our thoughts and prayers to Jimmy’s family, friends, and former teammates during this extremely difficult time.”
Similarly, the Chicago Blackhawks released a statement on Hayes’ passing, writing: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jimmy Hayes.
“His warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and with our fans.
“We’re proud of the memories he made in Chicago, including making his NHL debut in 2011.
“Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family.”
JIMMY'S WIFE SHARES HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE
"On Wednesday we took family photos," Jimmy's wife Kristen captioned a post on Instagram.
"Little did I know they would be our last photos of a family of four."
"I have no words," she added. "I’m heartbroken. We miss you. We love you. You should be here."
WHEN IS JIMMY HAYES’ FUNERAL?
A funeral has been scheduled for Jimmy Hayes.
The funeral mass is due to be held in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on August 30, according to the Globe.
HAYES’ NHL CAREER
Jimmy Hayes last played professionally in 2019, and retired after scoring 54 goals and 109 points in 334 NHL games.
Hayes won silver medals with Team USA in the 2007 Under-18 World Junior Championship and the 2009 U-20s.
He also co-hosted a podcast with fellow former NHL players Shane O’Brien and Scotties Upshall called “Missin Curfew” since August 2020.
The podcast’s last live show was on August 5, according to .
'FAVORITE JIMMY HAYES STORY'
WHO IS JIMMY’S BROTHER KEVIN HAYES?
Kevin Patrick Hayes is also a professional ice hockey player and alternate captain for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League.
At 6ft 5in, Kevin was born May 8, 1992, and raised alongside his brother in Dorchester, .
He was first drafted by the Blackhawks in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Hayes chose to defer his professional career and followed his older brother Jimmy, playing for four seasons with the Boston College Eagles.
WHO IS KRISTEN HAYES?
Kirsten Hayes is the wife of NHL player Jimmy Hayes.
They were together for a number of years before Jimmy’s sudden death.
They first met through a mutual friend and dated for a couple of years before becoming engaged and they exchanged wedding vows in July 2018.
Kristen posts lots of family photos on her Instagram page, .
WHEN IS JIMMY HAYES’ FUNERAL?
A funeral has been scheduled for Jimmy Hayes.
The funeral mass is due to be held in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on August 30, according to the Globe.
HOW MANY CHILDREN DID JIMMY HAYES HAVE?
Jimmy and his wife, Kristen Hayes, shared two young boys together — Beau, two, and Mac, three months, according to the .
In addition to his wife and kids, the late athlete is survived by sisters Genevieve, Eileen, and Justine, and his younger brother, .
TEAMMATE SHARES TRIBUTE
Jimmy Hayes’ former side the Blackhawks said in a statement: “His warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and with our fans.”
“We’re proud of the memories he made in Chicago, including making his NHL debut in 2011.”
JIMMY'S BROTHER KEVIN SHARES PHOTOS
DEATH REMAINS UNKNOWN AFTER AUTOPSY
Medical examiners in the state confirmed that an autopsy had been conducted but the hockey player’s cause of death still remains unknown.
In an email sent to the , they said: “The cause and manner of death remain pending and an update is not expected for several weeks when toxicology testing comes back.”
Autopsy reports in Massachusetts are not public documents.
HAYES APPEARED IN OVER 300 GAMES
Hayes "appeared in over 300 games with the Blackhawks, Panthers, Devils and his hometown Bruins," NHL Public Relations tweeted.
The account noted that the "NHL family" is mourning his death.