Mark Pavelich, a member of the ‘Miracle on Ice’ 1980 Olympic hockey team, was found dead in a treatment facility in Minnesota, USA Hockey, which was confirmed on Friday.
The cause of death is not immediately known. Pavelich was 63.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Olympic gold medalist Mark Pavelich in 1980,” USA Hockey tweeted. “We express our sincere condolences to Mark’s family and friends. Forever a part of hockey history.”
The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune first reported details of Pavelich’s death. According to the newspaper, police were called to Pavelich’s home at the facility where he was found dead at about 08:30 local time on Thursday. He was last seen on Wednesday around 20:00 in the facility where he received mental health treatment.
Pavelich lived at the facility after a court ruled he was unfit to stand trial for assaulting his neighbor in August 2019. Pavelich was charged with four counts of assault, which left the victim with several broken legs left.
The judge said that Pavelich “does not have the ability to consult rationally with lawyers, is unable to understand the proceedings and is unable to participate in the defense due to mental illness or deficiency. . ” Pavelich assaulted the neighbor with a metal rod.
Pavelich’s sister, Jean Gevik, told the Star Tribune in 2019 that the family believes Pavelich may be suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
“Mark is the friendliest and gentlest person you would ever know,” Gevik told the newspaper. “This is a totally different man.” Gevik said her brother had a history of concussions in the NHL.
Pavelich, a 5-foot-8 center, was an All-American at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He helped with Mike Eruzione’s goal of abolishing the strongly favored Soviet Union at the 1980 Olympics. Pavelich played in the NHL from 1981 to 1987 and in the 1991-92 season. He spent five seasons with the New York Rangers and also played for the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota North Stars.
“The New York Rangers are saddened by the death of Mark Pavelich,” the Rangers said in a statement. “His determination, passion and brilliant playing ability earned him the adoration of Rangers fans during his five-year tenure in New York. Mark helped inspire a country through the integral role he played in the ‘Miracle on Ice’ team in the “Winter Winter. Olympics. We think of Markus’ loved ones during this difficult time.”