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Coroner: Former NHLer Marek Svatos died of drug overdose
One month after his death, the Douglas County Coroner’s Office released its report on Marek Svatos’ death and found codeine, morphine and Xanax were in his system.
The 34-year-old former NHLer was found dead last month in his Colorado home.
He had a history of heroin use and had gone through drug rehabilitation, according to the coroner’s report. He also had suspected depression, prior suicidal ideation, and “recent life stressors.”
“Drug paraphernalia was found at the scene,” the report said.
Blood panels found traces of codeine, morphine and the anti-anxiety medication Xanax.
Svatos, a native of Kosice, Slovakia, played 344 games in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators after being drafted in the seventh-round of the 2001 NHL Draft.
After last playing in Slovakia during the 2013-14 season, Svatos lived in Lone Tree, Colorado with his wife and two children.
Joe Sakic, who played with Svatos from 2003-2010 with the Avalanche, released a statement on behalf of the franchise once news was confirmed. “The entire Avalanche organization is extremely saddened by this news. Marek was a tremendous person, a talented hockey player and a great teammate. Our thoughts, prayers and our deepest sympathy to his wife, children and his entire family.”
The Avalanche also honored Svatos during their first home game following his death with a video tribute during their Nov. 8 game.
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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