A former NHL star has passed away suddenly at the age of just 38 after suffering a heart attack.
Raymond Sawada was a Canadian professional ice hockey winger best known for playing for The Dallas Star in the National Hockey League between 2008 and 2011. Besides 11 games in the NHL, Sawada also made 287 appearances in the American Hockey League.
According to the Tuesday statement issued by the hockey player’s family on Tuesday, Sawada died “playing the game he loved.”
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden passing of Ray Sawada,” the family announced on GoFundMe where they raised nearly $200,000 in support of Ray’s wife, Nicole, and the couple’s daughters.
“At age 38, Ray passed away on the evening of Monday April 10, 2023, while playing the game he loved. He leaves behind his loving wife, Nicole, his two young and incredibly amazing daughters, Victoria (9) and Charlotte (6), and his supportive, devoted, and dedicated family and friends.”
The heart-wrenching statement continued: “Ray was such a bright light in the lives he touched. He enjoyed traveling with Nicole, the girls, and family and friends. He was a talented hockey player and a dedicated coach for his girls. Ray was passionately driven and motivated in everything he did, and the surrounding community will be left with a void.
“For the girls and Nicole, losing their dad and husband is going to leave a sad mark on their hearts and make for a long road ahead.”
The statement went on to thank the family’s supporters and well-wishers for their messages and acts of kindness.
“We feel the love. It gives us reassurance that throughout this sad and difficult time, there are so many who love and care for the family,” the post concluded.
Ray is survived by wife Nicole and daughters Victoria and Charlotte. Our thoughts are with the family during this challenging time.
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