Mark Pavelich, a member of the 1980 Olympic hockey team “Miracle on Ice”, was found dead at a treatment center in Minnesota, confirmed by United States Hockey on Friday.
The cause of death was not immediately known. Pavelich was 63 years old.
“We are sad to hear about the death of gold medalist in the 1980 Olympics, Mark Pavelich,” tweeted USA Hockey. “We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends. For ever a part of hockey history.”
The Star Tribune (Minneapolis) first reported details about Pavelich’s death. According to the newspaper, police were called to Pavelich’s residence on the premises at around 8:30 am local time on Thursday, where he was found dead. He was last seen on Wednesday at around 8 pm at the establishment, where he was receiving mental health treatment.
Pavelich was living there after a court ruled that he was in no condition to stand trial for an assault in August 2019 against his neighbor. Pavelich was charged with four criminal charges for the assault, which left the victim with several broken bones.
The judge said that Pavelich “does not have the ability to consult the lawyer in a rational manner, is unable to understand the case and is unable to participate in the defense due to mental illness or disability”. Pavelich attacked his neighbor with a metal rod.
Pavelich’s sister, Jean Gevik, told the Star Tribune in 2019 that the family believed Pavelich could be suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
“Mark is the nicest and kindest person you’ve ever met,” Gevik told the newspaper. “This is a totally different guy.” Gevik said his 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 Mike Eruzione’s winning goal that brought down the favored Soviet Union in 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 sad to hear about the death of Mark Pavelich,” said the Rangers in a statement. “His determination, passion and dizzying ability to play earned him the adoration of Rangers fans during his five years in New York. Mark helped to inspire a nation through the integral role he played on the ‘Miracle on Ice’ team in the winter of 1980 Olympics. Our thoughts are with Mark’s loved ones during this difficult time. “