Chris Simon Dies: All On Ex-Wives Laurie Smith, Valerie and Children

Canadian-born Christopher "Chris" J. Simon, who played left wing in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Continental Hockey League (KHL), passed away on March 19, 2024. During his NHL career, he was suspended eight times for a total of 65 games. He was known for being a tough player.

Simon's death on Tuesday night was verified by the NHL Players' Association via Simon's family.

It was not stated what caused the death.

Chris Simon: Wife and ChildrenChris Simon has two marriages. He first wed Laurie Smith. Smith claimed in an affidavit that Simon withheld his income from the court-ordered child-support arrangement for a number of years.

He had four additional children with Valerie, the lady he married in his second marriage. His three kids stayed with Valerie, while his son from that marriage resided with him in Canada, according to court records.

By 2017, he and Valerie were divorced.

Chris Simon: Personal LifeSimon declared bankruptcy in 2017 and stated that his hockey injuries prevented him from working. According to a doctor's testimony in the lawsuit, Simon suffered from CTE symptoms, which were thought to be caused by serious brain injuries he had while playing hockey. In addition, the physician stated that Simon had arthritis, anxiety, melancholy, and PTSD.

Chris Simon: ControversyThroughout his career, the NHL banned him eight times for a total of 65 games. In March 2007, he was suspended for 25 games by the Islanders for a cross-check to the face of Ryan Hollweg, a player with the Rangers. After that, in December of the same year, Simon was made to miss thirty games for stomping on Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jarkko Ruutu's leg.

Mike Commodore, one of Simon's former teammates, mourned his death and wrote on X, "He couldn’t have been nicer to me. RIP Chris. You will be missed."