Former Flyers defenseman Brad McCrimmon was killed in a plane crash, according to news station Russia Today.
The crash claimed the lives of at least 43 people. Many of the victims were members of KHL's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team, which McCrimmon was coaching. They were headed to their first match of the season.
The jet crashed and caught fire on takeoff near the city of Yaraslavl in Central Russia. One team member survived and was in critical condition. A flight engineer also survived. According to Russia Today:
HK Lokomotiv confirmed that its entire 37-strong main squad was on board the Yak-42...[Aleksandr] Galimov has burns to 80-percent of his body, the crew member has broken bones and lacerations in addition to massive burns.
McCrimmon, 52, was a defenseman for the Flyers from 1982 - 1987.
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The news hit home for many of the Flyers.
"I’m personally saddened to hear of the tragic death of one of our former players, Brad McCrimmon, and his team. Brad was one of the toughest defensemen to ever wear the orange and black," said chairman Ed Snider. "He gained the nickname ‘the beast’ for his tenacity on the blue line and his ability to shut down our opponents. Off the ice, Brad was a true gentleman. He was a kind, caring and wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy."
"It’s a tragedy," said Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov -- a Russian native. "I know a lot of guys on that team and it’s a big loss. It doesn’t matter which country it happens in. We’re all people and we understand what kind of tragedy this is…"
General Manager Paul Holmgren -- still recovering from his own bicycle accident -- also offered condolences:
"The Philadelphia Flyers are saddened by the loss of Brad McCrimmon today. He was a terrific player for us for a number of years. Brad was also a good teammate and a wonderful friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Maureen, their daughter, Carlin, and son, Liam, and their family at this very difficult time."
McCrimmon was the 15th overall pick in the 1979 draft, according to Philly Sports Daily. He leaves behind a wife, daughter and son.
