Tragic News Strikes The Hockey Community As Former NHL Defenseman Passed Away At 45-Years-Old

Kloucek's former Czechia team, the HC Oceláři Třinec made an official announcement confirming that he unfortunately passed away at the age of 45-years-old. The post did not state how he ended up passing away, just that he was involved in an accident, but since the announcement, more details have come out.

A report from the Czech news outlet Isport Blesk, the cause of death of the former New York Ranger, Nashville Predator, and Atlanta Thrasher was from a ski accident that happened while he was visiting one of the more popular resorts in Czechia.

It was revealed that while Kloucek was skiing down hill, he ended up losing control of his skis and went crashing into an electrical switchboard that was located at the edge of the slope, and would take his life away.

It was reported that this incident took play on Sunday, March 17th.

Kloucek was originally a 5th-round pick during the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, who went 131st overall to the New York Rangers and would go on to play 141 NHL games with the New York Rangers, Nashville Predators, and the Atlanta Thrashers.

He is leaving behind a wife, and two children. Following the accident, his wife released a heartbreaking statement:

His son is only nine years old, and his daughter is onky seven years old. It's tough to imagine what they are going through at this moment, and everyone at Bruins Insider is sending their thoughts and prayers to the Kloucek family.

Rest in Peace, Tomas.