Very sad update for the family of Derek Boogaard.

Sad news this week.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Very sad update for the family of Derek Boogaard.
Keystone Press

One of the stories with the most staying power in recent years has been that of the tragedy surrounding the loss of former National Hockey League player Derek Boogaard and unfortunately it doesn't sound like it's going to end the way the Boogard family was hoping for.

After losing Derek on May 13th of 2011, the family eventually decided to pursue legal action via a wrongful death lawsuit, understandable given the belief that Derek's death was in part due to the head trauma he suffered during his career.

However according to Sports Illustrated that lawsuit was for nought, because a judge's ruling has effectively brought that process to an end. From Sports Illustrated:

A federal judge on Monday dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit filed by former NHL player Derek Boogaard's parents, who blamed the league for their son's brain damage and addiction to prescription painkillers.

In a 20-page opinion dismissing the case, U.S. District Judge Gary Feinerman wrote that Boogaard's parents didn't prove the NHL was negligent. He also noted they weren't appointed trustees of their son's estate, a requirement to sue on its behalf.

While it wasn't going to be a happy ending regardless for the Boogard family, this has to be tough and our thoughts are with them in this difficult time.

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