Former NHL player's family says he had CTE when he died by suicide

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Greg Johnson suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he died by suicide five years ago, his family announced on Wednesday.

The 12-year NHL veteran died by suicide on July 7, 2019, by a gunshot, 13 years after his final NHL game.

Johnson's brain was analyzed by Dr. Ann McKee of the Boston University CTE Center.

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Greg Johnson #22 of the Nashville Predators stops as he looks to make a play with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during their game on March 25, 2006 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.  The Kings defeated the Predators 6-4.  (Noah Graham/Getty Images)

CTE is a brain disease that has been discovered to have occurred due to repeated blows to the head. It can only be diagnosed after death.

"This diagnosis took my breath away," said Johnson’s widow, Kristin — the couple were married for 22 years. "Greg’s death shattered our world, and we never once thought this disease was something he struggled with. He experienced very few symptoms that we knew of, but he spoke of his concussions often. I remember the exact moment he told me his heart condition forcing him to retire was a blessing because he couldn’t take another hit. He knew his hockey career had a profound impact on his brain."

Greg Johnson #22 of the Nashville Predators in action against the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Kings won 2-0. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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