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Wade Belak found dead

I never liked him as a hockey player, but as a person, he always seemed like a great guy.

I hope the reports aren't true, but, since nobody is disputing them, I think we can draw our conclusions.

I feel for his wife, and especially for his two daughters. 

 
CarltonTheBear said:
According to James Mirtle, Belak's family found out about his death through the media. I can't even imagine...
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That's absolutely horrible.

So sad.  I loved Wade.  He just seemed like a genuinely nice guy that really care about his teammates.  RIP Wade.  Thoughts and prayers to his wife and children.
 
Was completely shocked and caught off-guard when I heard it on the radio. 

Equally shocking that it was an apparent suicide (unfortunately, that was the first thing I thought of) as I've read recent articles stating how he was excited about his retirement/life after hockey and the gig that came with it, and kept referencing to when "he is in his 60s and 70s". 

This is just tragic and I can't imagine what his wife and daughters are going through.

The NHL may have a big problem on its hands now trying to resolve this because three deaths in a few short months is no coincidence.
 
What the hell man, what the hell...... too much of this. He had such a young family too... very sad.  R.I.P. Wade.

You know that some folks that take this end have issues, but both Belak and Mike Flanagan really shocked me. Seems that even those that spent a lot of time with him had no inkling.
 
My condolences are extended to the family of Wade. I have watched a lot of leafs hockey in my life, and for what Wade brought I thoroughly enjoyed and respected. He was the a true team player that brought what ever he had to the table. RIP, you will be missed.
 
I sent a small email to Belak before and was surprised he read, thought about what I had said, and took the time to reply.  In a small way, it shows something about the guy.  I've been in a room full of NHL players before, and didn't feel comfortable approaching any of them.  The world has lost a hell of a down-to-earth guy and is the worst for it.  I've enjoyed the memories of bench-clearing brawls, fights, etc.  But if this is the price that has to be paid, then I hope fighting is eliminated.  My condolences to Belak's family and friends.
 
Hearing him in the off-season and how happy he seemed and comfortable with his future this is so shocking. RIP
 
Captain Canuck said:
Kordic dies and thats tragic, same with Probert....with so much time in between thats all people think about. Now we've got 3 in the past few months and maybe that will get people thinking that there is more to it than just being tragic. I know some people are going to say they died of drugs, alcohol abuse, mental illness, etc., but was it something about their job that caused that? 
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Like I said, I don't think there's a reason right now to be making those connections. Rypien clearly had problems outside of hockey that he had for a long time. Boogard's death, by most accounts, was an accident.

Could there be a link between them? Maybe. But that's a big leap to be making with so much unknown.
 
Upon first reading about Belak's passing, I was stunned, to say the least, not because it's just another death, but, because of all of these players passing away one after another.... gosh, what is happening!?  Rypien... Belak..... who will be next?

I liked Belak as a Leaf.  Respectable and loyal to his team, friendly and open with the fans, in true sportsmanship.

R.I.P. Wade.
Condolences to his family.
 
CBC.ca reporting that multiple sources confirm that he committed suicide.

There may be no connection at all between Boogaard, Rypien, and Belak, but psychologists have learned that publicized suicides of prominent people can induce others to do the same. The theory is that the example of a completed suicide lowers the psychological barrier that would prevent some people on the fence, so to speak, from attempting it.  Maybe Wade was vulnerable and covered it up by clowning all the time.

But of course I am just speculating.  Trying to understand, really.  I liked Wade a lot. 
 
Wow..sad news indeed.  RIP Wade.

I have lost 3 friends just like this recently.  Happy people on the outside so always a huge shock when this happens.  My heart goes out to his family, friends and those that played with him.
 
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