Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Monday, friends and family paid their final respects today to former Boston Bruins player and Dorchester native Jimmy Hayes, who died suddenly last week at the age of 31.
As a Boston College standout, he was coached by hockey hall of famer Jerry York.
“I just never realized what an impact he’d have on me personally,” York told WBZ NewsRadio.
For York and so many others, Hayes emblemized Boston hockey through and through.
“Just his love of the game and love of just being a person from the city, and he represented Dorchester and all the wonderful people there with such a big smile.”
Today’s funeral at St. Ann Parish in Neponset was a private event, but yesterday’s wake at Dorchester’s Florian Hall drew crowds of fans.
“I waited two hours just to get to the main part of the wake,” said York. "People just loved Jimmy — an incredible person," he continued.
Hayes died last week, and was found in his home in Milton on August 23rd. The cause of death is still being determined. Hayes is survived by his wife, Kristen, and two young sons named Beau and Mac. York said it was a difficult day, but he pointed to the strength of the whole Hayes family as a source of comfort.
“It’s safe that the grandfather, grandmother, the brothers, the sisters, will all pitch in to raise two wonderful children," he said.
WBZ’s Drew Moholland (@DrewWBZ) has the story:
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App
Written by Madison Rogers