On Monday, Aug. 23, the Boston Bruins confirmed on social media that their former teammate Jimmy Hayes passed away at age 31. The Bruins shared on Twitter, “The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the passing of Dorchester native and former Bruin Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts are with his wife Kristen, his sons Beau and Mac, and the entire Hayes family during this very difficult time.” In addition, the men’s hockey team from Boston College also paid tribute on social media writing, “Boston College Hockey is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family.” Law enforcement and first responders went to Jimmy’s home in the early morning hours of Aug. 23 where he was pronounced dead. According to police, Jimmy’s death is not considered suspicious, but the cause of his passing was not immediately available.
Hayes played more than 330 games in the NHL for four teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils. After leaving the professional sports world in 2019, Hayes went on to co-host a podcast titled ‘Missin Curfew’ with former NHL players including Shane O’Brien and Scott Upshall. Their last live show was on Aug. 5.
Jimmy shared sons Beau and Mac with his wife, Kristen. Just this weekend, the couple appeared to celebrate Beau’s second birthday, with Kristen writing on social media: “Let’s keep making more babies. So much fun celebrating these 3 boys over the weekend. The cutest lil friendships (their dads all played hockey together at BC) if you make it to the end that’s a preview of college beau. Can’t wait to watch them grow up together.”