Former NHL Player’s Family Reveals CTE in Suicide Death
The family of Greg Johnson, a former NHL player, shared that he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he died by suicide five years ago. Johnson, who played in the NHL for 12 years, took his own life on July 7, 2019, with a gunshot, 13 years after his last NHL game.
CTE is a brain disease that is caused by repeated blows to the head and can only be diagnosed after death. Dr. Ann McKee of the Boston University CTE Center examined Johnson’s brain and confirmed the presence of the disease.
Johnson’s widow, Kristin, expressed her shock at the diagnosis, stating that they were unaware of his struggles with the disease. Despite experiencing few symptoms, Johnson often talked about his concussions and how his heart condition, which led to his retirement, was a blessing as it prevented him from taking more hits that could further damage his brain.
His daughter, Carson, shared her newfound understanding of CTE and emphasized the importance of raising awareness among athletes and the NHL to take steps to protect players from such risks. Johnson’s youngest daughter, Piper, highlighted the importance of her father’s legacy in contributing to CTE research and breaking the stigma surrounding suicide.
Throughout his career, Johnson played for various NHL teams, with the Nashville Predators being his final team where he served as captain. Despite being drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers, he never played for them and went on to play for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks.
His brother, Ryan, who also had a successful NHL career, is currently the assistant general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, adding to the family’s legacy in the hockey world.
The tragic loss of Greg Johnson sheds light on the hidden dangers of CTE in sports and the importance of recognizing and addressing the long-term effects of head injuries. His family’s openness about his struggles serves as a reminder that mental health issues, such as CTE-related symptoms and suicide, should not be overlooked and that help is available for those in need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for support and guidance.