Lightning make a heartbreaking announcement on Monday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have shared some truly heartbreaking news.

On Monday morning, the team announced that that Tripp Nugent, a young member of the organization's extended family, had tragically passed away. The Lightning made the announcement through a statement on their official social media channels, here is that statement unedited and in full:

We are devastated to learn of the passing of our buddy, Tripp "Trippy" Nugent. He signed a one-day contract with us in 2022 and quickly became part of the team with his energy and love for hockey. Bolts Nation will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time.

Tripp "Trippy" Nugent
2016-2024

Here is a look at that day back in 2022, you can see just how happy Tripp was to be a part of the Lightning:

Tripp did more than merely sign a one-day contract with the team, he also touched the lives of many of the organization's players and staff. It was the comments from Lightning head coach Jon Cooper that really drove home just how much of an impression Tripp has left on this team.

"For him not to be around us anymore, it's gut-wrenching. It's heartbreaking," admitted Cooper. "I can see him like he's right here. When he left us, he was wearing a Stammer shirt listening to Thunderstruck, if that doesn't say it all. What a magnificent little boy he was. The heart's a little weaker today for sure."

Cooper had previously spent time with Tripp during his brief stay with the Lightning.

Tripp was sadly diagnosed with a brain tumor in September of 2022 and would get to meet some of his heroes on the Lightning a few months later. Here is another shot of Tripp alongside Lightning head coach Jon Cooper:

I can't imagine what the Nugent family and all of Tripp's friends and loved ones are going through at this terrible time. I would ask that you keep all of them in your thoughts.