Chris Simon, Former NHL Star, Diagnosed with CTE After Suicide
Chris Simon, a former NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup winner, suffered from Stage 3 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death by suicide in 2024. A post-mortem brain analysis, released by his family and the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF), confirmed the diagnosis.
Family Attributes Suicide to CTE, Cites NHL Negligence
Simon’s family had suspected CTE prior to the official diagnosis, citing the emotional volatility and memory loss he experienced. In a statement,they described his struggles with short-term memory,hearing loss,headaches,paranoia,anxiety,impaired navigation,apathy,impulsivity,and suicidal thoughts. They further stated that Simon had distanced himself from loved ones during the last three years of his life. The family hopes the diagnosis will provide closure and highlights what they see as negligence by the NHL regarding brain injuries, pointing specifically to Commissioner Gary Bettman‘s past statements disputing a definitive link between hockey and CTE.
A Career Marked by Skill and Physicality
Simon, a left winger known for his physical style of play, spent 15 seasons in the NHL, playing for seven different teams. He accumulated 1,824 penalty minutes and participated in over 100 fights. He won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and reached the Finals twice more with the Washington Capitals (1998) and Calgary Flames (2004). After his NHL career, Simon played 174 games in the KHL before retiring in 2013. In his NHL career he record 161 goals and 168 assists.
Suspensions and Financial Hardship
Simon’s career was also marked by several suspensions. he was suspended eight times by the NHL, missing a total of 65 games. One suspension, for 30 games in 2007 after stomping on an opponent’s leg, ranks as one of the longest in NHL history. In 2017, Simon filed for bankruptcy, citing CTE and other injuries as reasons for his inability to work. He had begun receiving disability payments earlier that year and joined a class-action lawsuit against the NHL regarding its handling of head trauma. The lawsuit was settled in 2018.
CTE and Hockey: Ongoing Concerns
The Concussion Legacy Foundation reports that 19 out of 20 NHL players’ brains studied at Boston university’s CTE Center have tested positive for CTE. The brains of other former NHL players, Bobby Hull including Ralph Backstrom, stan Mikita, Bob Probert, and Derek Boogaard, have also been diagnosed with the disease. A 2024 boston University study indicated the the odds of developing CTE increased by 34% for each year of hockey played.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can call or text 988 in the US and Canada to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 111 in the UK. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
How might the article’s framing of the NHL’s past responses to CTE concerns influence its audience’s perception of the league?
chris Simon,Former NHL star,diagnosed with CTE After Suicide
Chris Simon,a former NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup winner,suffered from Stage 3 Chronic Traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death by suicide in 2024. A post-mortem brain analysis, released by his family and the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF), confirmed the diagnosis.
Family Attributes Suicide to CTE, Cites NHL Negligence
Simon’s family had suspected CTE prior to the official diagnosis, citing the emotional volatility and memory loss he experienced. In a statement,they described his struggles with short-term memory,hearing loss,headaches,paranoia,anxiety,impaired navigation,apathy,impulsivity,and suicidal thoughts. They further stated that Simon had distanced himself from loved ones during the last three years of his life. The family hopes the diagnosis will provide closure and highlights what they see as negligence by the NHL regarding brain injuries, pointing specifically to Commissioner Gary Bettman’s past statements disputing a definitive link between hockey and CTE.
A Career Marked by Skill and Physicality
Simon, a left winger known for his physical style of play, spent 15 seasons in the NHL, playing for seven different teams. He accumulated 1,824 penalty minutes and participated in over 100 fights. He won a stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and reached the Finals twice more with the Washington Capitals (1998) and Calgary Flames (2004). after his NHL career, Simon played 174 games in the KHL before retiring in 2013. In his NHL career he record 161 goals and 168 assists.
Suspensions and financial Hardship
simon’s career was also marked by several suspensions. he was suspended eight times by the NHL, missing a total of 65 games. One suspension, for 30 games in 2007 after stomping on an opponent’s leg, ranks as one of the longest in NHL history. In 2017, Simon filed for bankruptcy, citing CTE and other injuries as reasons for his inability to work. He had begun receiving disability payments earlier that year and joined a class-action lawsuit against the NHL regarding its handling of head trauma. The lawsuit was settled in 2018.
CTE and Hockey: Ongoing Concerns
the Concussion Legacy Foundation reports that 19 out of 20 NHL players’ brains studied at Boston university’s CTE Center have tested positive for CTE. the brains of other former NHL players, Bobby Hull including Ralph Backstrom, stan Mikita, Bob Probert, and Derek Boogaard, have also been diagnosed with the disease. A 2024 boston University study indicated the the odds of developing CTE increased by 34% for each year of hockey played.
Q&A: understanding Chris Simon’s Story
Q: What is CTE?
A: Chronic Traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. It leads to a build-up of abnormal protein called tau, which damages brain cells. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, depression, and aggression.
Q: How is CTE diagnosed?
A: CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death, through a post-mortem examination of the brain.While alive, doctors can look for symptoms and use imaging, but a definitive diagnosis is not possible.
Q: What were the symptoms of CTE that Chris Simon experienced?
A: Simon’s family reported a range of symptoms including short-term memory loss, hearing loss, headaches, paranoia, anxiety, impaired navigation, apathy, impulsivity, and suicidal thoughts.
Q: What is the Concussion Legacy Foundation?
A: The Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study, treatment, and prevention of CTE. They support research, provide resources for those affected by brain trauma, and advocate for safer sports practices.
Q: How common is CTE in former hockey players?
A: Research indicates a considerably higher prevalence of CTE among former NHL players compared to the general population. The Boston University study mentioned in the article highlights the increased risk with each year of hockey played.
Q: What is the NHL doing about CTE?
A: The NHL has taken steps to address head injuries, including implementing concussion protocols and funding research. Though, the family of Chris Simon and others believe the league has not done enough and has in the past downplayed the link between hockey and CTE.
Q: What can be done to prevent CTE?
A: prevention focuses on reducing head impacts in sports. This includes enforcing stricter rules to reduce hits, promoting safer playing techniques, and providing proper medical care and concussion protocols.
Fun Fact: The first documented case of CTE was in a boxer in 1928, who was referred to as “punch drunk.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can call or text 988 in the US and Canada to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 111 in the UK. These services are free,confidential,and available 24/7.
