Boogaard Death Due to Mixture of Alcohol & Pain Killers (Updated)
The Boogaard family released this statement...
STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF DEREK BOOGAARD
May 20, 2011
The family of Derek Boogaard issued the following statement today through the National Hockey League Players' Association:
"We would like to express our appreciation for the outpouring of love and support for our family during this difficult period as we grieve the loss of Derek – our son and brother. We are deeply saddened by this unimaginable loss, but we are grateful for the expression of support that has given us strength as we go through this tragic time.
It is very comforting for our family to know that, while Derek's life was far too short, he had a great impact on many people who he came into contact with. We are proud that Derek was able to live his boyhood dream to play in the National Hockey League. We are even more proud of the fact that Derek was dedicated to making a difference in his adopted communities of Minnesota and New York City, through his countless hours of charitable work.
Earlier today, we received the results of Derek's toxicology report at the time of his accidental death. After repeated courageous attempts at rehabilitation and with the full support of the New York Rangers, the NHLPA, and the NHL, Derek had been showing tremendous improvement but was ultimately unable to beat this opponent. While he played and lived with pain for many years, his passion for the game, his teammates, and his community work was unstoppable.
Our family would like to like to thank the New York Rangers, the Minnesota Wild, the National Hockey League Players' Association, and the National Hockey League for supporting Derek's continued efforts in his battle.
Derek will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten by his fans, friends, and teammates, and especially by us – his family. We respectfully ask for continued privacy as we grieve the loss of Derek."
Michael Del Zotto, Brandon Prust, Marc Staal and Woljek Wolski will be attending tomorrow's funeral.
Update, 2:52 p.m.:
Any chance Georges Laraque issues an apology to the Rangers after his statements this week? Yeah I didn't think so either.
Update, 1:52 p.m.:
Russo reports that when Boogaard missed most of the Wild's training camp in 2009 and the first two weeks of the season under the guise of a concussion, he also entered Stage 1 of the Substance Abuse & Behavioral Health Program.
...i know it's never easy to admit you have a problem but when a team covers up for you it makes it that much worse. Fans can be very understanding when one of their team's players has a problem. I'm sure both Wild and Rangers fans would have rallied around him then the way we are now around his death.
Original Post:
Derek Boogaard's manner of death is accidental mixture of alcohol and oxycodone toxicity - per Hennepin Cty MEless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone 
Favorite 
Retweet 
Reply
Michael Russo
Russostrib
...the cause of death brings up more questions than answers.
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
.
Lets focus on the alcohol and painkillers. It is VERY dangerous to mix the two. I am not going to say dont do it, because I have done so myself, but its very risky. It depends on the strength, your size, the amount you drink, etc. Its a bad idea. Back in high school there were a few kids who died from this combo. I would highly suggest against it. Weed and painkillers would be great imo. If your going to a party I would imagine you would be way to messed up to enjoy yourself, plus the risk of death. Just stick to weed + 1. Not both.
Findyourdrug.com
I think everyone is relieved that it wasn't because of concussions. But I still think what they're doing with his brain is definitely still worth a look to see how much damage he took because of the fighting.
Anyone wonder if the Rangers knew about DB's first time spent in the recovery program? Would you sign a player with known problems? An elite scorer maybe but an enforcer?
Very sad about Derek. However, well written statement from the family under the circumstances; and it appears that the words "come from the heart"..... may he RIP.
I don't think the teams were covering up for him. The confidentiality rules that are in place are very strict when it comes to substance abuse issues. What time can we expect LaRaque's apology?
@Senorsmoke1 I guess covering up is bad terminology, but I'd would rather teams just be honest.
