Mike Hammond dead at 33 – British ice hockey star dies after a horror car crash in Canada. Details on what he died of and his fortune explored.
British ice hockey star Mike Hammond has been killed in a horror car crash in Canada, his former club has announced.
Tributes are pouring in for the ex-Nottingham Panthers player, 33, after the fatal incident in the village of Shawnigan Lake yesterday.
What was Mike Hammond’s cause of death?
The sportsman passed away on July 20, 2023, from his injuries, the Panthers said in a statement this morning.
According to reports, Hammond had been holidaying at Lake Shawnigan on Vancouver Island with friends before the tragedy.
He is said to have been involved in a single-vehicle accident and died at the scene after his car “veered off the road”.
Nottingham Panthers said: “The Panthers would like to send our thoughts to Mike’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Our thoughts too are with all his former team-mates and everyone at the club is thinking of Hammy and his family right now.
“Rest in peace Mike – you will never be forgotten.”.
His former teams, Manchester Storm, and Coventry Blaze mourn him in statements they shared online.
The hockey world has been rocked by Hammond’s shock death, with his former teams leading the messages of condolence.
Manchester Storm said: “We are all devastated by the loss of Mike Hammond.
“Mike was part of our Storm family for two seasons and he remained a good friend to many here in Manchester.
“We were proud and excited to watch him play a big role in Team GB’s recent success.
“We send all our love and condolences to Mike’s family, friends, and teammates. Thanks for all the memories, Mike – rest in peace.”
Coventry Blaze wrote: “We’re very sorry to share the tragic news of Mike Hammond’s passing.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with him, family, friends, Team GB, the Panthers, the Storm and the Clan, among others.”
Glasgow Clan send their tribute to Mike Hammon: ‘Rest in peace brother.’
Glasgow Clan said they were heartbroken by Hammond’s passing and told how he was due to return to the club.
The tweet said: “Glasgow Clan are devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Mike Hammond.
“Mike was a hugely popular player during his spell here in 2016/17 and was due to return in 2023/24. On behalf of the club, our thoughts are with Mike’s family and friends during this terrible time.”
Ice Hockey UK also paid tribute to the esteemed hockey player, describing him as a “cherished” member of the team.
A statement read: “Great Britain ice hockey are devastated to announce that forward Mike Hammond has passed away.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Mike’s family, friends and teammates at this very difficult time.
“Mike was a cherished GB team-mate, loved by so many, and very much part of the Great Britain family… Rest in peace Mike – you will never be forgotten.”
Pals of the hockey star have also told of their heartbreak in poignant social media posts describing him as their “brother.”
One wrote: “Words cannot describe how much you will be missed Mikey. I am so lucky to have shared such a great day at the lake with you yesterday trading laughs and stories. Rest in peace my brother.”
Another added: “I always thought that the 4 of us would grow old and wise together.
“30 years from now we’d do Christmas with the next generations of Hammond’s and Machnee’s, even though you and I may have just ended up the cool uncles.
“I am so proud of everything you accomplished. I’ll miss our talks, reflecting on all the dumb s**t we have done and trying to figure out how we become the better us.
“I love you brother and I’ll miss you even more.”
What was Mike Hammond’s net worth?
Before his death, Mike Hammond had achieved substantial success in his career, accumulating an estimated net worth of approximately $5 million.
The Brighton-born hockey player, affectionately known as “Hammy” by pals, had enjoyed a glittering career on the world stage.
He has competed in the US, Canada, Germany, and Denmark while representing a number of different teams
Hammond sported jerseys for the likes of the Glasgow Clan, Manchester Storm, and Coventry Blaze in the Elite Ice Hockey League.
As well as competing in Britain’s premier ice hockey division, he also regularly represented the country.
He played for Great Britain at the Ice Hockey World Championship in both 2019 and 2021.