Tag Archives: general manager

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke’s youngest son has died in a car crash.

Brendan Burke, 21, was fatally injured in an accident Friday in Wayne County, Indiana. Police told a Daytona, Ohio television station a black Jeep lost control in poor weather and slid into oncoming traffic, hitting another vehicle head on and killing Burke as well as another passenger.

Brian Burke also is the general manager of the U.S. Olympic team.
“Our heart goes out to Brian and his family in this very difficult time,” Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey, said late Friday in a statement. “We know the prayers of the entire hockey family, including our Olympic Team, are with the Burke family.”

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also expressed his condolences in a statement. “The National Hockey League grieves tonight for the family and friends of Brendan Burke, a young man of courage and character. Words simply cannot express our sorrow over his loss. We send our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Brendan’s father, Brian; his mother, Kerry; everyone in Brendan’s family and all who were inspired by his love for hockey.”

Brendan Burke made headlines in November after he discussed being gay. At that time, Burke stood behind his son, expressing pride and admiration.

The family has asked for privacy.

MLSE president and CEO Richard Peddie said, “On behalf of the entire Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Brian Burke. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family during this extremely difficult time.”