Derek Boogaard tragically passed away in 2011 after overdosing on a mixture of painkillers and alcohol. Now, the tragedy may head to the courts, with a report that Boogaard's parents are taking legal action against the players' union.
The late enforcer's parents are suing the NHLPA, according to TMZ, after the union failed to file a grievance to collect on Boogaard's remaining contract. They are reportedly asking for the remainder of the forward's $4.8 million contract, with an additional $5 million in punitive damages.
According to the report, the Boogaards blamed the NHL for their son's death after he was prescribed "a multitude of narcotics and sleeping pills" by New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild medical personnel. However, TMZ reports that the NHLPA missed the deadline to file a grievance against the league in order to collect, so the family is pursuing legal recourse.
Boogaard, who was posthumously the subject of a lengthy piece by The New York Times focusing on the culture of fighting in hockey, passed away at the age of 28.
Thumbnail photo via Facebook/R.I.P. Derek Boogaard
