Barry Melrose cause of death: How did the former NHL star die at 70?
Former NHL player and prominent broadcaster Barry Melrose has passed away at age 70 following a battle with Parkinson's disease. Melrose was a celebrated figure in hockey, known for his coaching career and decades of analysis on ESPN.
Why it matters
Melrose was a defining voice in hockey media, and his death marks the end of a significant era in sports broadcasting.
Barry Melrose, one of the most recognizable faces in hockey broadcasting, died Wednesday at the age of 70. His wife, Cindy, confirmed the passing to ESPN, which broke the news to a hockey world that had not forgotten the man who spent decades shaping how fans understood the sport. Melrose had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2023, leading to his retirement from ESPN after nearly 30 years with the network. His death drew immediate tributes from across the NHL, the broadcasting world, and beyond.What was Barry Melrose's cause of death?Barry Melrose died following a battle with Parkinson's disease. The illness had already forced him out of public life two years earlier. When he announced his retirement in October 2023, he said: "I've had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world's greatest game, hockey.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in