Former NHL Player Ray Emery Dies In Accidental Drowning

Former NHL player Ray Emery has died in what police are describing as an accidental drowning. His body was discovered at Hamilton Harbour in Hamilton, Ontario.

Emery had been visiting with a friend who owned a boat at around 6 a.m. on July 15, according to the Hamilton Spectator, an Ontario-based news organization. Emery jumped in the water and did not resurface, prompting calls to a rescue service, who could not locate him. 

Inspector Marty Schulenberg said that he was eventually found 20 meters from where he was last seen.

“At this time we do not believe there to be suspicious or foul play,” Schulenberg said, according to the Hamilton Spectator. “We do believe this is a case of misadventure [...] Mr. Emery had gone for a swim and did not surface after he dove in the water. All of the events leading up to him diving in are still part of our investigation."

An official cause of death has not been determined. An autopsy will be performed before the cause can be confirmed.

Emery, nicknamed "Razor," played with the NHL for 11 seasons before incurring a career-ending injury in 2015. He was known for his willingness to spar on the ice.

Others in the NHL mourned the loss on social media.

“Ray’s smile and intelligence made him a magnetic personality,” Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas wrote in a tweet. “You always rooted for him to reach his vast potential even as he went through the many ups and downs of his playing career.”

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk remembered Emery for his contributions to the sport.

“On behalf of the Ottawa Senators, I wish to express my sincere condolences on the passing of Ray Emery,” Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement, according to The Washington Post. “Ray was instrumental in our run to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, and at his best, he brought a competitive edge and combative mentality to the game. On behalf of our entire organization, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Ray’s family, friends and loved ones.”

Emery's aggression in and out of the the sport had previously landed him in some trouble. Following attacks on players Michel Ouellet and Denis Hamel, Emery was sent to anger management while playing with the Ottawa Senators.

"It was good to talk about things," Emery said to ESPN in 2008. "I just tried to get back to where I came from. I'm not a rock star. I'm a kid from Hamilton. I'm trying to be a bit more down-to-earth."

Emery had also previously faced allegations of abuse from an ex-wife in 2017.

Emery was 35 at the time of his death.

[Photo: Ray Emery by Elsa / Getty Images]