Wrongful death lawsuit from ex-NHL player’s parents tossed
CHICAGO — A federal judge on Monday dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit filed by former NHL player Derek Boogaard’s parents, who blamed the league for their son’s brain damage and addiction to prescription painkillers.
Boogaard, a feared enforcer during six seasons with the Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers, died of an accidental overdose of pain medications and alcohol in 2011. His parents later sued, arguing the NHL knew or should have known Boogaard — who they said received more than 1,000 prescriptions from team physicians, dentists, trainers and staff — wasn’t complying with treatment.
In a 20-page opinion dismissing the case, U.S. District Judge Gary Feinerman wrote that Boogaard’s parents didn’t prove the NHL was negligent. He also noted they weren’t appointed trustees of their son’s estate, a requirement to sue on its behalf.
But the judge was careful not to comment on the allegations against the NHL, which is currently involved in a class-action lawsuit involving more than 100 former players. Feinerman wrote that his decision “should not be read to commend how the NHL handled Boogaard’s particular circumstances — or the circumstances of other NHL players who over the years have suffered injuries from on-ice play.”