Beloved radio host and former NHL player passes away at 56
Photo credit: TSN
The hockey world is mourning the death of 56 year old Shawn Simpson, a former NHL player and TSN radio host.
Mental health can be such a struggle. Sean Simpson, a former radio host for TSN radio in Ottawa was always open and vulnerable about the subject on his radio show.
While the news of his passing is tragic and disturbing, it's important to remember all the joy and light he brought into his listeners lives.
A former NHL and KHL general manager and professional scout, Simpson, was drafted in the 1986 NHL Draft's third round by the Washington Capitals but did not play in any NHL games.
In 1987, he played for Canada's national team in the World Junior Championship. A few months ago, he publicly shared that in his life, he struggled with demons.
«He had constant mental health struggles, and he was open and honest about it,» said John Rodenburg, the program director at TSN1200 who was a morning show co-host with Simpson for years. «I think that's what made him so popular on the radio. He was himself, good and bad, and when he spoke about his struggles with mental health and the fact that he didn't try to hide it, I think that really spoke to a lot of people.»
12 years ago, Simpson opened up in great detail about his early life struggles -- touching on the difficult subject of mental health.
«Money, girls, drinking, I did whatever I wanted,» he told Baines. «I had no structure. You're on your own. I never thought I was great, but I wanted people to think I was great. I had a reputation for being wild. But I look back at it, and I was just immature.»
While no official cause of death has been announced, Simpson will be remembered as a talented hockey player, and a beloved radio host.
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