As we mentioned yesterday afternoon, former Predator Wade Belak passed away in his Toronto hotel room yesterday. At that time, the details of his cause of death were undetermined, until this statement, which was recently posted by the Associated Press:

“Former NHL player Wade Belak hanged himself, according to a person familiar with the case.

The person familiar with Belak’s death said he hanged himself at a downtown luxury hotel and condo building. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because details of the investigation were confidential.”

The news of his cause of death has sent shockwaves throughout not only the Predators and NHL family, but the entire sports world as a whole. Sadly, Belak is the third NHL player to pass since May including Winnipeg’s Rick Rypien and the Rangers’ Derek Boogaard.

We will continue to update as more information becomes available. Until then, we will continue to pray for the friends and family members of Wade Belak.