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HEARTBREAKING: Dean Letourneau, Boston Bruins’ 2024 First-Round Draft Pick, Passes Away at 19……
HEARTBREAKING: Dean Letourneau, Boston Bruins’ 2024 First-Round Draft Pick, Passes Away at 19
May 8, 2025 | Boston, MA — The hockey world is reeling from the tragic and untimely death of Dean Letourneau, the Boston Bruins’ 2024 first-round draft pick, who passed away Wednesday at just 19 years old. The news was confirmed in a solemn statement by the Boston Bruins organization early Thursday morning, sending shockwaves through the NHL community, sports media, and fans across North America.
Letourneau, a promising center known for his size, skill, and work ethic, had recently completed a standout freshman year at Boston College, where he was widely expected to become a key figure in the Bruins’ future. His death has not only devastated his family and teammates, but also left a deep void in a community that had quickly come to embrace the young Canadian as more than just a hockey prospect, but a person of extraordinary character.
“It is with unbearable sadness that we announce the passing of Dean Letourneau,” the Bruins said in a written statement. “Dean was not only a gifted athlete, but a kind-hearted, humble, and determined young man who represented everything it means to wear the Spoked-B. Our hearts are broken, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, teammates, coaches, and friends.”
While the Bruins did not initially provide a cause of death, multiple sources close to the situation have indicated that it may have involved a sudden medical event. Authorities have ruled out foul play, and an autopsy is expected to be conducted in the coming days.
Letourneau, originally from Ontario, was selected 25th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Standing at 6’5”, he was considered a rising star, praised for his unique blend of physicality and finesse. NHL scouts and analysts often spoke of his “ceiling” as being among the highest in his draft class, with comparisons drawn to elite two-way centers already established in the league.
His coaches at Boston College remembered him as a team-first player and a natural leader, despite being one of the youngest members of the roster.
“Dean was the kind of teammate every coach dreams of,” said Boston College Head Coach Greg Brown. “He worked harder than anyone on the ice, but it was his heart off the ice that made him special. He cared deeply for those around him. He had goals, big goals—and he was just getting started.”
Letourneau’s teammates were seen arriving at Boston College’s Conte Forum Thursday morning, many visibly emotional. A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and Bruins memorabilia has begun to take shape outside the arena. Students, faculty, and fans have come in droves to pay tribute to a life that, while brief, touched many.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement expressing the league’s collective sorrow: “The NHL family is devastated by the loss of Dean Letourneau. He was a young man full of promise and potential, and his passing is a tragedy that transcends hockey. We offer our support to his family, his teammates, and the entire Boston Bruins organization.”
Social media has been flooded with tributes from current and former players, including several NHL stars who had mentored Letourneau during development camps. Bruins captain Brad Marchand shared a photo of himself with Letourneau during training camp, writing, “Heartbroken. You were a true Bruin already. Rest easy, kid.”
In Letourneau’s hometown of Milton, Ontario, the community is mourning alongside Boston. Local media reported that flags have been lowered to half-staff, and his former junior team, the St. Andrew’s Saints, held a moment of silence before their scheduled practice Thursday evening.
Dean Letourneau is survived by his parents, Mark and Lisa, and his younger sister, Ella. The family has requested privacy during this time but issued a brief message through a family spokesperson:
“Dean was our light, our joy, and our pride. He lived with passion and played with heart. We are shattered, but we are grateful for the love and support being shown from all corners of the world. Thank you for honoring his memory.”
Plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced in the coming days, with both Boston College and the Bruins organization preparing formal tributes.
In a sport built on toughness, the loss of a young life is a reminder of its fragility—and the immeasurable value of every moment. Dean Letourneau may not have played a shift in the NHL, but his legacy, both on and off the ice, has already left an indelible mark