Nick Piccone
Former NHL goaltender Ray Emery died early Sunday morning after drowning while swimming with friends, according to the Hamilton Police.
According to the Hamilton Police Department, Emery was reported missing just after 6 a.m. Sunday in Hamilton Harbour, which lies on the western tip of Lake Ontario. His body was recovered in close proximity to where he was last seen later in the afternoon, police said.
The cause of death will be confirmed following an examination.
“They went out for a swim and unfortunately he did not emerge after diving in,” police Inspector Marty Schulenberg told The Hamilton Spectator. “We responded along with Hamilton Fire and EMS. Unfortunately, our efforts on the water and in the area just around the piers were met with negative results.”
Emery played with the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks in 11 NHL seasons. He gained Philly love during the 2013-14 season after picking a fight with Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, which effectively turned the Flyers’ season around. That was Emery’s second go-around with the Flyers, as he played with the club in 2009-2010, then returned from 2013-2015.
Flyers president Paul Holmgren has released a statement:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ray’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Razor. pic.twitter.com/fInQmuXCWJ
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 15, 2018
More reaction:
Ray was a great teammate and an even better friend. Rest in peace Razor. I’ll miss you man. pic.twitter.com/NNHNc1Swyd
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) July 15, 2018
So sad to hear the tragic news about Ray Emery- was a great teammate and person #rip
— James van Riemsdyk (@JVReemer21) July 15, 2018
At a loss for words. An incredible teammate and stall mate. Rip razor
— Scott Laughton (@Laughts21) July 15, 2018
“All the statistics in the world can’t measure the warmth of a smile…”
Rest In Peace my friend, Ray Emery#Razor @NHL @NHLFlyers @FlyersAlumni @NHLAlumni pic.twitter.com/I6SX5cKq8c— Bernie Parent (@BernieParent1) July 15, 2018
I will always remember Ray as a good person first & foremost. I envied his demeanor. He had a contagious personality. People were drawn to him. I made close friendships bc of him @DaveBolland I will never forget his selflessness. Man this hurts. Rest easy Uncle Ray Ray pic.twitter.com/hWsl9SNVwE
— Daniel Carcillo (@CarBombBoom13) July 15, 2018
The Flyers Alumni Association is greatly saddened to learn of the tragic passing today of our teammate and friend, Ray Emery, in Hamilton Harbour earlier today. "Razor" will be greatly missed by all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/rTfTi7Qirp
— Flyers Alumni (@FlyersAlumni) July 15, 2018
Our condolences are with Emery’s family and friends during this difficult time.
You can follow Nick Piccone on Twitter (@nickpiccone) and Instagram (@picconenick), and e-mail him at [email protected]. Subscribe to The Straight Shooters Podcast (@ShootersRadio) on iTunes here and listen every Friday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. on Wildfire Radio. Click here to read his pro wrestling articles on PhillyVoice.
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