This story discusses suicide. If you or somebody you realize is having ideas of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Greg Johnson suffered from continual traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he died by suicide 5 years in the past, his household introduced on Wednesday.
The 12-year NHL veteran died by suicide on July 7, 2019, by a gunshot, 13 years after his remaining NHL recreation.
Johnson’s mind was analyzed by Dr. Ann McKee of the Boston University CTE Center.
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CTE is a mind illness that has been found to have occurred attributable to repeated blows to the pinnacle. It can solely be identified after loss of life.
“This prognosis took my breath away,” mentioned Johnson’s widow, Kristin — the couple had been married for 22 years. “Greg’s loss of life shattered our world, and we by no means as soon as thought this illness was one thing he struggled with. He skilled only a few signs that we knew of, however he spoke of his concussions usually. I bear in mind the precise second he instructed me his coronary heart situation forcing him to retire was a blessing as a result of he couldn’t take one other hit. He knew his hockey profession had a profound influence on his mind.”
Greg Johnson #22 of the Nashville Predators in motion towards the Los Angeles Kings on the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Kings received 2-0. (Harry How/Getty Images)
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“I had no thought what CTE even stood for when my dad took his life,” mentioned Johnson’s oldest daughter, Carson. “Now understanding that the hits he endured all through his hockey profession broken his mind, I would like all athletes to know the dangers and I would like the NHL to begin acknowledging it exists and do extra to guard its gamers so different daughters don’t must lose their fathers.”
Johnson’s youngest daughter, Piper, mentioned she was “proud to have my dad’s legacy” contribute to CTE analysis.
“He really was the most effective dad ever, and to lose him to suicide was past something we might think about. It was terrible, however we need to discuss it to assist others struggling know they don’t seem to be alone, and there’s assist out there,” she added.
Johnson performed for the Nashville Predators for the ultimate seven years of his profession, the place he served because the captain. He was drafted thirty third total by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1989, however by no means performed for them.
Player Greg Johnson of the Nashville Predators. (Bruce Bennett Studios through Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
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He was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1993, the place he spent his first 3.5 years. He additionally performed for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks.
His brother, Ryan, performed within the NHL for 15 years and is now the assistant basic supervisor of the Vancouver Canucks.
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