Former NHL Star Jimmy Hayes Seen Smiling With Kids In Heartbreaking Last Images Before His Sudden Death
Jimmy Hayes was all smiles just hours before his unexpected death that has shattered the sports world.
The 31-year-old former National Hockey League star spent the day before his passing with his beloved friends and family, showing no sign that his life would tragically come to an end the following morning.
In the last images known of Hayes, he was captured flashing his infectious smile while holding onto his pride and joys — his two children.
As RadarOnline.com reported, the ex-ice hockey player passed away in his Milton, Massachusetts, home on Monday without warning.
On Sunday, Hayes celebrated his oldest son Beau Hayes' second birthday. He looked healthy and happy at the Tonka Truck-themed party.
His wife, Kristen, posted a series of fun photos from the birthday celebration, in which Hayes can be seen enjoying his time with those closest to him.
In the shots — shared just 17 hours ago — the hockey legend is seen wearing a pair of navy blue shorts, a light blue t-shirt, and a baseball cap.
He was completely barefoot and hanging in the yard with his buddies.
Holding onto his birthday boy and his three-month-old son Mac Hayes, the dad of two was captured laughing out loud at another child in the group photo.
This is the last known image that Hayes ever took. His wife's caption pulls at the heartstrings even more.
"Let’s keep making more babies," Kristen joked, "so much fun celebrating these 3 boys over the weekend." Revealing that the other dads in the shot are longtime buddies of Hayes, she added, "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."
Hayes' death is shocking, to say the least.
According to The Boston Globe, law enforcement officers and emergency medical technicians responded to Jimmy's home this morning, where he was pronounced dead.
While authorities told the outlet that his death is not considered suspicious, the exact cause is not yet known.
Hayes was a well-known player. He began his mainstream career at Boston College, where he won an NCAA Men's Hockey Championship. He went on to play seven NHL seasons, including two with the Boston Bruins.
Hayes' last game in the NHL was in 2019.
