Peter Zezel dies
Former Flyer Peter Zezel died today at the age of 44.
Peter Zezel dies
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
Terrible news out of Toronto: Former Flyer Peter Zezel has died in a hospital as a result of a rare blood disorder.
Multiple reports indicate that Zezel had fought the disorder, hemolytic anemia, for the last decade, but that he was thought to be coping well in recent years. His family made the decision to turn off life support this afternoon.
Zezel was drafted by the Flyers in 1983 and was a very popular player, especially among the females in the stands, when he played here from 1984 to 1989. In that time, he and his young teammates made two trips to the Stanley Cup finals under coach Mike Keenan. He was one of the faces of that popular young group that never was quite able to knock down the door.
The end of Zezel's career told you something about the man. He was in Vancouver and requested a deadline trade to the East so that he could be near a young niece who was dying of cancer. Instead, he was traded to Anaheim and promptly retired.
Now, this. Zezel was only 44 years old.
wow, how terribly sad. some of my all time favorite sports' memories are from those 80's Flyers. my prayers go out to his family and friends.
This really sucks!! I have 4 heart attacks and a triple bypass due to Vioxx an this athlete and wonderful supporter for the Flyers Fight For life passes. I am only 60 and have grown children. Somehow I can't digest a 44 year old in th prime of his life passing, regardless of what I have to be thankful for. Howard from Las Vegas but ACHS class of 1966— hrlevine- God bless you Pete, rest in peace. Only the good die young.— flyerdup
- Scott B.: Awful story.— mikerainey82
- Shocked. Saddened. Terrible news.— jp
- RIP, Peter.
- That flyers team provided an important respite for me during an intense time in my life. I remember watching Peter and that team demonstrate how grit could carry you further than pure talent. Rest in piece.— owl87
- Rest in Peace.— zen
- So sad, PZ was a big part of the most fun Flyers teams of the past 30 years. Outside of the Stanley Cup era, that late 80's team was the most enjoyable to watch.— frankpantangello
- RIP Peter; you're in a better place now.— JBinPA
