Tragic Losses: NHL Stars Gone Too Soon Due to Drinking & Driving

by Jordan Crane August 21, 2024

The world of professional hockey has seen its fair share of triumphs and tragedies. Among the most heart-wrenching are the stories of players who lost their lives due to drinking and driving. These players were not just athletes; they were sons, brothers, fathers, and friends. Their untimely deaths serve as stark reminders of the dangers of impaired driving. Here, we take a closer look at five NHL players whose lives and careers were tragically cut short.

Tim Horton: The Legend with a Dark End

Career Overview: Tim Horton is a name that resonates not just in the hockey world, but across Canada and beyond. As a defenseman, Horton was known for his strength, durability, and exceptional play over an impressive 24-season career in the NHL. He won four Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was named an All-Star six times. Horton was more than just a player; he was a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs’ defense during their most successful years.
Incident: On February 21, 1974, after a game with the Buffalo Sabres, Horton was driving his Ford Pantera sports car on the Queen Elizabeth Way near St. Catharines, Ontario. He was reportedly returning from a visit to a chiropractor and was speeding when he lost control of the car, crashing into a concrete culvert. Horton was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. It was later revealed that his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.
Legacy: Despite his tragic end, Horton’s legacy remains robust. He is remembered not only for his contributions to hockey but also for the coffee and donut franchise, Tim Hortons, that he co-founded. His name continues to be a household staple, and his legacy is a mixture of both his sportsmanship and the cautionary tale of his death.

Steve Chiasson: A Veteran Defenseman Gone Too Soon

Career Overview: Steve Chiasson was a respected defenseman in the NHL, known for his reliable play and leadership on the ice. He played 13 seasons in the league, representing teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Calgary Flames, Hartford Whalers, and Carolina Hurricanes. Chiasson was a steady presence on the blue line, contributing both offensively and defensively, and was admired for his work ethic and dedication to the game.
Incident: On May 3, 1999, after the Carolina Hurricanes were eliminated from the playoffs, Chiasson attended a team party. Later that night, he decided to drive home despite being under the influence of alcohol. Tragically, Chiasson lost control of his pickup truck, which flipped over, killing him instantly. His blood alcohol level was well over the legal limit.
Legacy: Chiasson’s death was a significant loss for the hockey community. The Hurricanes retired his number, 3, in his honor, and his death led to increased awareness and discussions about the dangers of drinking and driving within the hockey world. Chiasson is remembered for his professionalism and the sadness of a career and life that ended too soon.

Pelle Lindbergh: The Bright Star of Philadelphia

Career Overview: Pelle Lindbergh was one of the brightest goaltending talents of his time. The Swedish-born goalie quickly made a name for himself with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he was known for his incredible reflexes and fearless style of play. In 1985, he became the first European goaltender to win the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender, solidifying his place as one of the league’s elite.
Incident: On November 10, 1985, after a night out with teammates, Lindbergh decided to drive home in his customized Porsche 930 Turbo. He lost control of the car at high speed and crashed into a wall in Somerdale, New Jersey. The impact left Lindbergh critically injured, and he was declared brain-dead the following day. His blood alcohol level was well above the legal limit.
Legacy: Lindbergh’s death shocked the hockey world, particularly because he was at the peak of his career. The Flyers retired his number, 31, in his memory, and he remains a beloved figure among Flyers fans. Lindbergh’s story is a poignant reminder of the consequences of impaired driving, and his loss is still felt in the hockey community.

Luc Bourdon: A Rising Star’s Tragic End

Career Overview: Luc Bourdon was a promising young defenseman with a bright future in the NHL. Drafted 10th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2005 NHL Draft, Bourdon quickly established himself as a talented and hard-working player. He was part of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the World Junior Championships in 2006 and 2007, and he showed great potential in his time with the Canucks.
Incident: On May 29, 2008, Bourdon was riding his motorcycle near his hometown of Shippagan, New Brunswick, when he lost control of the bike and collided with a tractor-trailer. Though it was a motorcycle accident, alcohol was reportedly involved in the events leading up to the crash, making it a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
Legacy: Bourdon’s death was a devastating blow to the Canucks organization and the hockey community at large. He was only 21 years old and had just begun to scratch the surface of his potential. In his memory, the Canucks dedicated the 2008-09 season to Bourdon, and he remains a symbol of what could have been.

Miki Roqué: A Cross-Sport Tragedy

Career Overview: Though not an NHL player, Miki Roqué was a talented soccer player with a story that resonates across sports. Roqué was a defenseman for Real Betis, a club in Spain’s top soccer league, La Liga. Known for his promise and potential, Roqué was a respected figure in Spanish football.
Incident: On March 4, 2008, Roqué was involved in a car accident after losing control of his vehicle. Reports indicated that he had been drinking prior to the crash, and he died from the injuries sustained in the accident. His death, though not directly connected to hockey, serves as a broader reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving across all sports and walks of life.
Legacy: Roqué’s death was a significant loss to the soccer community and serves as a cautionary tale for athletes and fans alike. His story underscores the importance of making safe choices, regardless of the sport or level of competition.

A Sobering Reminder

The stories of Tim Horton, Steve Chiasson, Pelle Lindbergh, Luc Bourdon, and Miki Roqué are not just tales of loss—they are powerful reminders of the real-life consequences of drinking and driving. These athletes were taken too soon, their lives and careers cut short by decisions that could have been avoided. As we remember their contributions to sports, let’s also honor their memories by committing to safer choices, both on and off the field or ice.