WINDSOR, Ont. - Former NHL tough guy Bob Probert has died after collapsing with severe chest pains while enjoying an afternoon of boating with his family. He was 45.
Probert was taken to hospital around 2 p.m. ET on Monday, according to family friend Rick Rogow.
"The hospital did everything it possibly could," Rogow told reporters at Windsor Regional Hospital.
"It's a sad day," he added.
Probert was spending the day with his family on Lake St. Clair in the Windsor area. His father-in-law Dan Parkinson, a police officer who was on the boat, attempted to revive Probert using CPR.
"This is a tragedy for the family," said Parkinson. "We ask that you respect their privacy at this time. This was totally unexpected. Bob lost the fight of his life this afternoon."
Probert, one of the league's all-time great enforcers, played for the Detroit Red Wings from 1985 to 1994, and for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1995 to 2002.
Over 16 NHL seasons, Probert recorded 384 points (163 goals, 221 assists) in 935 regular-season games. His career total of 3,300 penalty minutes is fifth on the NHL's all-time list.
Probert had 48 points (16-32) and 274 penalty minutes in 81 career playoff games.
No funeral arrangements have been made. Probert is survived by his wife and four children.
