The former Boston Bruins winger died with fentanyl and cocaine in his system, the Boston Globe said. Jimmy's father and wife broke the news, hoping that the storey of Jimmy's terrible death might help avoid such tragedies in the future.
Jimmy was just 31 years old, a professional athlete in peak physical shape, and the image of health, so it seemed impossible that he died of natural causes.
According to Jimmy's father, Kevin Hayes, the former NHLer recently contacted him about his pill addiction and then went to a Haverhill treatment centre for help. It was something he thought had helped his kid, but as an addict himself, he knows the risks.
The pandemic in America has claimed numerous lives, and Jimmy Hayes appears to be the next. He had it all, a fantastic family, a brilliant profession, and the affection of his town, and one tragic decision took it all away.