Kevin Hayes shares heartbreaking update on dealing with his brother’s sudden death

Jimmy Hayes died Aug. 23 at his home in Milton, Massachusetts, at 31 years old. The official cause of death remains unconfirmed. Hayes played 334 games in the NHL, having last played professionally in 2019. He is survived by his wife, Kristen, and two sons, 2-year-old Beau and 3-month-old Mac.

He also left behind his younger brother, Philadelphia Flyers’ Kevin Hayes, who is getting ready to return to action following abdominal surgery. Kevin opened up to the Associated Press on Thursday to give a heartbreaking update on what he fears about the 2021-22 season without Jimmy to support him.

Kevin is struggling with God’s plans and what his best friend’s death means for him moving forward.

“It’s tough,” Kevin continued. “I can accept what happened, that my brother’s gone and he died. I’m 29 years old and I understand what death is. The thing that I can’t get my head around, the whole, not to get spiritual, but God. Being mad at God.”

“I don’t understand how those two kids don’t have a dad anymore. I can’t accept that. I don’t think I ever will,” he said. “But I also look at God sending different messages.”

While Hayes isn’t ready to get back to action, he needed to leave Boston after his brother’s sudden passing seeing that everyone in town knew the Hayes. He spent time with widow Kristen, but needed to join his teammates.

“I couldn’t go get coffee or go for a walk without someone awkwardly staring at me, wanting to say sorry or give me a hug. It just kind of got draining,” he said.

As soon as he gets back on the ice, we know that Hayes will play in memory of his brother. He said that he and Jimmy “were best friends our whole life,” and got a tattoo in his older brother’s honor that reads: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

On Friday night, the New Jersey Devils hold their season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks and have decided to honor Jimmy. They shared photos of players and staff wearing a sticker honoring Hayes’ memorial clover logo. Instead of the crossed hockey sticks, the team included Hayes’ jersey number when he played for the Devils in the 2017-18 season.

“This is for you, Broadway,” the team’s caption reads. (Hayes was affectionately known by his nickname Broadway.)

I am sure Kevin will appreciate the nice gesture as he continues to deal with grief.