Sports Deaths in 2008
Alexei Cherepanov, Oct. 13: A 2007 first-round pick of the New York Rangers, Cherepanov collapsed during the third period of a game in Russia and died soon after.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
Alexei Prokurorov, Oct. 10: The former gold medalist in the 30-kilometer freestyle at the 1988 Calgary Games dies after being hit by a car crossing the street.
Oliver Multhau, AFP / Getty Images
George Kissell, Oct. 7: A longtime member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization, Kissell died from injuries suffered in a traffic accident. He had been with the Cardinals since 1940, including a six-year stint as a major league coach.
James A. Finley, AP
Eddie Brinkman, Sept. 30: The shortstop, who played 15 years in the majors and set a league record for his position with 72 straight errorless games, dies at 66. The cause of death is unknown.
MLB Photos / Getty Images
Milt Davis, Sept. 29: The former All-Pro cornerback, who won two championships with the Colts in the 1950s, dies of cancer at 79.
AP
Paul Newman, Sept. 26: Actor and race car driver Paul Newman passes away at the age of 83. Newman formed the Newman/Haas racing team and also was part of the team that won the 24-hour Daytona endurance race in 1995.
Ron Galella, WIre Image
Mickey Vernon, Sept. 24: The seven-time All-Star and two-time AL batting champ, pictured here in 1946 with Dom DiMaggio, left, and Ted Williams, right, passed away one week after suffering a stroke.
AP
Dick Lynch, Sept. 24: The former Giants star was the team's radio analyst from 1968 until last season.
NFL Photos, Getty Images
Wally Hilgenberg, Sept. 23: The former NFL linebacker was a key member of the Vikings' defense in the 1970s that helped lead Minnesota to four Super Bowl appearances.
AP
Ned Harkness, Sept. 19: A three-time NCAA hockey championship coach, and one-time coach of the Detroit Red Wings, Harkness died on his 89th birthday from the after-effects of a stroke.
Rensselaer
Piecing together multiple translations with Chesnokov's help, I've been able to confirm the following sequence of events:
In the 18th minute of the third period of Avangard Omsk's game against Chekhov Vityaz, Cherepanov collided with Jaromir Jagr during a line change. Once Cherepanov got to the bench, he collapsed, and team doctors determined that his heart had stopped and immediately began attempts to revive him.
Cherepanov was then transported to an unnamed hospital in Moscow where doctors attempted to revive him for about an hour before he was declared dead of cardiac arrest at 22:55 local time/2:55 p.m. U.S. EDT.
The first English language report that I saw came from the hockey blog Alex Ovetjkin by way of Japers' Rink. Apparently, Russian hockey fans are already asking why a portable defibrillator like the one that saved the life of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jiri Fischer wasn't available to help save Cherepanov.
The Rangers have issued the following statement:
"We are extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Alexei," said Sather. "On behalf of the New York Rangers organization, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Alexei was an intelligent, energetic young man, with tremendous talent and an extremely bright future."Our condolences to Cherepanov's family and friends.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
10-13-2008 @ 6:31PM
Paul Ashburn, VA said...
Ted,
Can we give this young man a "moment of Silence" tonight? I'm sure the Russian Players and Fans would Appreciate it.
Just a thought..
Thanks Ted
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10-13-2008 @ 6:19PM
Blair Wilson said...
My deepest condolences goes to Alexei Chereponov's family, in this sudden and most tragic time. May God bless you and keep you in this time of deep sorrow. Rest in Peace Alexei, You were taken way too soon.
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10-26-2008 @ 9:44PM
Locovaquero576 said...
My deepest sympathies to Alexei Cherepanov's family and the New York Rangers organization. May your family find strength to continue despite your absence. Your time on this planet was taken away too soon. God Bless and Rest In Peace.
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10-13-2008 @ 11:31PM
cindy said...
What a tragedy!!! What a talent, and my deepest condolences to his family, friends, teamamtes and giving a moment of silennce to all.....
cindy
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10-13-2008 @ 10:22PM
Melissa said...
A tragedy. An honest tragedy. Hockey hearts everywhere go out to Alexei's family, and to Jagr. I can't imagine what that would be like, to collide with a teammate only to have this happen apparently as a result.
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10-14-2008 @ 12:33AM
nicole s said...
Alexei,
You would have made us (New York Rangers) so proud!!!! God bless the Cherepanov family. You will kept in my prayers...
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10-14-2008 @ 2:38AM
Dave. V said...
I feel very sad today because someone special has been taken away from us, deepest regards to alex's family and friends. Rest in peace Alex we will always remember you
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10-14-2008 @ 8:38AM
JAMES WYATT said...
ALEXI,YOU ARE NOW HOPEFULLY IN THE ARMS OF GOD HIMSELFAND I HOPE THAT GIVES YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS PEACE WITH A YOUNG TALENTED MAN.THE WHOLE WORLD GRIEVES TODAY AT THE TRAGIC UNTIMELY DEATH OF SUCH A MUCH TO YOUNG PERSON.THERE SHOULD BE A FULL MEDICAL STAFF AT ALL SPORTING EVENTS EQUIPPED WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTIONAS THOUGH SPORT STARS ARE PAID WELL THEY RISK THEIR LIVES TO ENTERTAIN US.LET THIS BE A LESSON TO ALL SPORTS.IN MY OPINION A LOSS THAT VERY WELL MIGHT HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.TRAGIC SO TRAGIC.GO WITH GOD MY SON.
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10-14-2008 @ 8:38AM
bbekampis said...
A terrible tragedy for his family. My prayers are with them.
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10-14-2008 @ 8:38AM
Alex said...
so do you really want socialist medicine, this is another example of why not.
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10-14-2008 @ 9:52AM
Brad said...
Save your prayers they are atheists
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10-14-2008 @ 9:52AM
Lynsaid said...
But we're not !!!!
10-14-2008 @ 9:52AM
Ivan Ivanovich said...
No Brad, please be kind. It's true that the USSR was an atheist nation, but the new Russians are happy to attend church again. One of the most moving experiences I have had was in the Moscow church which has recently been rebuilt after Stalin smashed it. I lit a candle for my father and felt the presence of God. My wish is that Alexei's family feel the same blessing.
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10-14-2008 @ 9:43AM
Rose D said...
Wether they were or are athiest is not the issue. This young man went to the lord way to soon. Although he is now resting in peace. May the lord hold him in his arms, and lay his hands upon his family and friends that they will some day know the goodness of God. My prayers and sorrow goes to this family. Even though there hearts are heavy my prayer for them is that they will be able to focus on the wonderful memories of there son, and friend.
God Bless all,
Rose D
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10-14-2008 @ 12:45PM
rob said...
people die all the time
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10-15-2008 @ 11:10AM
Lynsaid said...
Yes, people die every second of the day, and it is always sad. But worse when thier 19 years old with a great future ahead of them
10-14-2008 @ 6:28PM
DEBORAH said...
HOW SAD
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10-14-2008 @ 10:07PM
peter said...
sad sad sad
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10-15-2008 @ 6:29AM
brian said...
GUess what idiots...His family can't read or speak English. All those posts are worthless!
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10-15-2008 @ 11:31AM
Lynsaid said...
Maybeso, but thank goodness for translators. I'm sure someone will share with them the sorrow we feel. But, I hope they don't tell them that we're all a bunch of idiots.
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