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| March 21, 2002 | Thursday | Muharram 6, 1423 |
Young girl dies after struck by puck
COLUMBUS (Ohio), March 20: A 13-year-old girl struck in the head by a puck at an NHL game over the weekend has died, officials said Tuesday.
Brittanie Cecil was hit during a game between the host Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames. She was taken to Children’s Hospital in Columbus and died Monday.
Cecil’s organs would be donated “in the hope that others will be blessed as much as they were by her life,” the hospital said in a statement.
The family is establishing a memorial fund.
Blue Jackets general manager Doug MacLean said the team and employees of Nationwide Arena “are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred during Saturday’s game.”
“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Brittanie’s family and friends during this time of anguish,” MacLean added. “Our fans mean the world to us and this loss has had a profound effect on the entire Blue Jackets family.”
It is believed Cecil is the first fan to die after being struck by a puck.
“Our fans are our family and this tragic accident fills us all with a deep sense of sorrow,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We extend heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and friends on this day of profound sadness.”
Bill Masterton, an NHL player, died from injuries suffered during a game in 1968.—Reuters
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