Stephen Peat Obituary, Death – Former Washington Capitals enforcer Stephen Peat, 44, tragically passed away after sustaining fatal injuries in a car accident that occurred two weeks prior. On August 30, Peat was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in Langley, British Columbia. Authorities reported finding a 44-year-old pedestrian with life-threatening injuries at the scene, though they initially did not disclose his identity.
The NHL Alumni Association confirmed Peat’s death in a statement on Thursday, expressing their sadness: “We are heartbroken to learn that Stephen Peat has passed away from his injuries after a tragic accident just over two weeks ago.” In response, the Washington Capitals also issued a statement paying tribute to their former player: “The Washington Capitals extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former Capitals player Stephen Peat. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Peat’s tragic passing has also led to a significant gesture, as it has been understood that his organs will be donated.
Throughout his hockey career, Peat was known for his toughness and physicality on the ice. He played a total of 130 NHL games, primarily for the Washington Capitals, accumulating eight goals, two assists, and 234 penalty minutes. Peat was initially drafted 32nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 1998 NHL Draft, but he was traded to the Capitals in June 2000 after completing his junior career. In the 2004-2005 season, he briefly played for the Danbury Trashers in the United Hockey League, where he assisted on a goal and recorded 45 penalty minutes in just seven games.
Peat’s last professional appearance on the ice came during the 2006-07 season, when he played one game for the Albany River Rats in the American Hockey League (AHL).
After retiring from professional hockey, Peat began to experience significant health challenges. He suffered from frequent headaches, which he believed were linked to the concussions he sustained during his playing career. In an interview with *The New York Times*, Peat expressed concern over his declining mental health and suspected he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that has affected many former athletes who have endured repeated head injuries. “I’m a right-handed fighter, right? And all the blows were to the left side of my head. That’s where all my pain is,” Peat explained. “So that’s my uneducated guess. What other blows have I taken?”
In addition to his health struggles, Peat also faced personal difficulties in the years following his retirement. In 2015, he was sentenced to one year of probation after unintentionally starting a massive fire at his home by leaving a blowtorch unattended. The incident further highlighted the challenges he faced in his post-hockey life. Reports also indicated that Peat struggled with homelessness and substance abuse during this period.
Peat’s life, filled with both professional highs and personal lows, came to a tragic end with his untimely passing. His story serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional toll that a career in contact sports can take, particularly for enforcers like Peat, who were often involved in the most physically demanding aspects of the game.
The news of Peat’s death comes shortly after another tragedy in the hockey world. Just days before Peat’s passing, hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by an alleged drunk driver. Johnny, a 31-year-old winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Matt, 29, were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee while biking in New Jersey. The two brothers’ deaths have left the hockey community mourning once again.
Stephen Peat’s passing has left a lasting impact on those who knew him and the hockey community at large. His contributions to the game as a physical player will be remembered, but so too will his struggles after retiring. The tributes from the NHL Alumni Association and the Washington Capitals reflect the sadness and loss felt by all who knew him.
In the aftermath of Peat’s death, his organ donation stands as a final act of generosity, offering hope to others even in the wake of his own tragic end.