One day after it was learned that retired hockey star Jimmy Hayes died of acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, his wife is speaking out again in support of her late husband. Since Jimmy’s passing, Kristen Hayes has used her Instagram account to keep his memory alive.
And despite being admittedly shocked regarding how her husband died, Kristen says the way in which he died does not define him. In a statement shared by People, Kristen wrote that “this battle does not define” Jimmy and that she “will still tell my boys every day to be like Jimmy.”
Kristen Hayes Issues Another Statement Following the Reveal of Jimmy Hayes’ Cause of Death
RELATED: BREAKING: NHL’s Jimmy Hayes’ Cause of Death Revealed Months After Unexpected Passing
As At The Buzzer previously reported, prior to his passing, Jimmy sought treatment for an addiction to painkillers which came about after sustaining a hockey injury. Much of his family thought he was doing well, that he was in active recovery.
The day prior to being found unresponsive in his home, he and Kristen had just celebrated his oldest son’s birthday. “Jimmy touched so many lives while he was here by living so generously and open-heartedly, and I hope his story can continue to make a positive impact, especially for anyone who is struggling with the grips of substance abuse.”
“I sincerely appreciate all of the support that has been shown to our family and ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time,” Kristen added. The Hayes family learned about his toxicology results on Friday.
In an interview with The Boston Globe, Kristen said she was “completely shocked” by the results. “I was so certain that it had nothing to do with drugs. I really thought it was a heart attack or anything that wasn’t that [drugs].”
Jimmy Hayes’s father, Kevin, who has been sober for a “long, long time,” also spoke to “how powerful this stuff is. I was in shock when it happened, but then I started putting stuff together in my head . . . I know what addiction does. I know about addiction.”
Jimmy Hayes was just 31 years old at the time of his unexpected passing. He lives behind his parents, his wife, his brother, and his two sons.