Jimmy Hayes' official cause of death remains unconfirmed following an autopsy.
The evening prior to his death, Hayes and his wife of three years Kristen celebrated their son Beau’ssecond birthdaywith their 3-month-old son Mac, who was born on May 5.
Jimmy Hayes.Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty
Kristen also shared that the family of four had taken group photos on Aug. 17, which “little did I know they would be our last photos,” she said onInstagram. “I have no words. I’m heartbroken. We miss you. We love you. You should be here.”
Hayes, a native of Dorchester, played 334 games over seven years in the NHL for four teams after a successful collegiate career and NCAA championship at Boston College.
In his post-NHL career, he was a co-host of theMissin Curfewpodcast and his last recorded show was in August.
“Yesterday I lost my best friend, my brother. My whole life it has always been Jimmy and Kevin or the Hayes brothers. I have followed you around since I can remember and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” younger brother Kevin captioned photos and videos onInstagram.
“Whether it was youth hockey, Nobles, Boston College or the NHL, you paved the way for me. You taught me everything I needed to know in order to succeed. You lit up every single room you walked into with your smile and positive attitude. Everyone wanted to be around Jim, the big, goofy, horrible dancer, funny, genuine and kindest person around,” Kevin continued. “I will never forget the times we shared or the memories we made and know that I will try my hardest to have your legacy live on. Our world lost someone special and I don’t know if I will ever be the same but till we meet again, I LOVE YOU JIM!”
Hayes' first cousin Matthew Tkachuk of the Calgary Flames shared a tribute onTwitterfollowing news of the athlete’s death.
“Completely speechless and heartbroken! Wish I had the chance to tell Jimmy how much Brady and I looked up to him and Kevin throughout all the years,” Tkachuk wrote. “I know that Beau and Mac will grow up with the same larger than life and loving personality that he had! Rest easy!”
source: people.com
