Derek Boogaard’s brain to be donated to trauma study
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The parents of New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard, who was found dead Friday in his Minneapolis apartment, have donated their son’s brain to researchers at Boston University who are studying the effects of brain trauma on athletes.
No cause has been established for the death of Boogaard, 28, whose body was found by family members. An explanation might come to light through toxicology tests, which take about two weeks to process.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Boogaard’s parents made the decision to donate their oldest son’s brain in order to help advance studies on the vexing and complicated problems of head trauma. Boogaard suffered a concussion during the regular season and had not played since Dec. 9, but the Star Tribune quoted friends as saying that he was optimistic about returning to his old form next season and was looking forward to summer workouts.
Fans left flowers in tribute to Boogaard at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., home of his previous team, the Minnesota Wild. Many players offered condolences via Twitter, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement offering his condolences Saturday.
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-- Helene Elliott