Brendan Burke passes away
Brendan Burke, student manager of the Miami hockey team, was driving back to Oxford from a visit to the Michigan State University law school, which he was considering applying to, on Friday night. On U.S. 35 in rural Indiana, he lost control of his car in a snowstorm and ran into another car, head-on. Brendan passed away at the scene. The thoughts and prayers of MHT are with the Burke family, the Miami hockey team, and anyone else who is affected by Brendan’s tragic death.
We will update this post with more details as they become available.
UPDATE 1, 2/6/10: The Toronto Maple Leafs, where Brendan’s father Brian serves as GM, have issued an official statement:
The Toronto Maple Leafs are saddened to report that Brendan Burke, the youngest son of Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke, succumbed to injuries he suffered in an auto accident earlier today in Indiana.
Richard Peddie, president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, issued the following statement regarding the passing of Brendan Burke, son of Maple Leafs’ General Manager Brian Burke:
“On behalf of the entire Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Brian Burke. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family during this extremely difficult time.”
The Burke family asks for privacy at this difficult time.
Thank you.
In addition to the linked stories above (the ESPN article about Brendan’s coming out to his father and the Miami hockey team and the Richmond Palladium-Item story about his death), here’s a roundup of stories about his passing.
National Post: Brian Burke’s son Brendan dies after car accident in Indiana
Dayton Daily News: Feelings of joy short-lived for victorious RedHawks
TSN: Brian Burke’s son Brendan passes away after auto accident
New York Times: Son of U.S. Hockey Team’s G.M. Dies
Toronto Sun: Leafs, hockey world mourn Brendan Burke
Toronto Star: Crash kills Leafs GM Brian Burke’s son
Globe and Mail: Leafs devastated by death of GM’s son
Globe and Mail: True advocates like Brendan Burke are hard to come by
Globe and Mail: Tributes flow in for Brendan
UPDATE 2, 2/6/10:
Further details have been released regarding Brendan’s funeral.
Visitation hours will be held Monday, February 8, from 2-8 p.m., at Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home in Canton, MA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 9, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church in Canton, MA.
The Burke family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Brendan’s name to:
Xavierian Leadership Institute
c/o Xavierian Brothers High School
800 Clapboardtree Street
Westwood, MA 02090
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