Former NHL star Stephen Peat dies at age 44 after tragic accident

Former ice hockey player Stephen Peat, who played more than 100 games in the NHL, has tragically died at the age of 44.

The Canadian, who was drafted 32nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 1998, reportedly succumbed to his injuries last month following a tragic accident.

This happened just days after the death of Johnny Gaudreau at the age of just 31 shocked the hockey world.

The news was confirmed by the NHL Alumni Association on Thursday, with a statement saying the organization was “deeply saddened to learn that Stephen Peat succumbed to his injuries following a tragic accident just over two weeks ago.”

The NHL Alumni were unable to gain any further information about the incident involving Peat, who was transferred to the Washington Capitals in 2000.

Former Canadian NHL player Stephen Peat has tragically died at the age of 44.

Peat reportedly succumbed to his injuries following a tragic accident last month

He played 130 regular season games for the franchise, scoring 10 points. Peat finished his professional career in the American Hockey League, hanging up his skates after the 2006-07 season.

The Capitals paid tribute to Peat with a statement on social media.

“The Washington Capitals extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Capitals player Stephen Peat,” the team said. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

NHL Alumni, meanwhile, announced that “Stephen will help save many lives through organ donation following this tragic accident.”

Late last month, Gaudreau and his younger brother Matt were killed on the eve of their sister's wedding when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau tragically died in a bicycle accident on August 29

Both were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, about 35 miles south of Philadelphia. Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matt, 29, were scheduled to serve as best men at their sister Katie's wedding.

Sean Higgins, 43, the alleged drunk driver who killed the siblings, has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter after colliding with the siblings on a highway in Salem County.

Family members and NHL fans gathered at their funeral Monday afternoon to remember the brothers.

Mourners crowded into St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania, for services held less than two weeks after the fatal accident.

“I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be his wife,” said Johnny’s wife Meredith

Mourners crowded into the service at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Pennsylvania

The brothers' widows expressed their tearful condolences and recalled the close bond they had as siblings and their devotion to the family.

Johnny's wife, Meredith Gaudreau, also announced that she is pregnant with their third child.

“I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be his wife,” Meredith said during a heartbreaking speech. “He was and still is my soul mate.”

Matthew's wife, Madeline Gaudreau, who is pregnant with their child, remembers the brothers being “inseparable.”