NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has revealed the shocking reason as to why former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat passed away: he was hit by a car.

Former Washington Capitals enforcer Stephen Peat has tragically passed away at the age of 44 after being struck by a car late last month. Peat struggled through some extremely difficult times following his retirement from the NHL, suffering from severe concussions, which were related to his days of playing hockey, and periods of homelessness.

The incident of his passing occurred in Langley, British Columbia, at about 4:15 am on August 30th. At the time, police announced a 44-year-old male pedestrian had sustained life-threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle, but did not immediately indicate it was Peat.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed the tragic details of this incident that happened about two weeks ago.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Stephen Peat was a rugged competitor on the ice. In 130 NHL games, he collected eight goals, two assists, and 234 minutes in the penalty box. A 32nd overall selection by Anaheim in the 1998 draft, he was dealt to the Capitals in 2000 once his junior career was complete.

One of the more unusual stops in Stephen Peat’s career came during the 2004-05 NHL lockout, when he played seven games for the infamous Danbury Trashers in the United Hockey League, picking up one assist and taking 45 minutes in penalties on a team noted for rough play.

The professional hockey career of Stephen Peat came to a close during the 2006-07 season, when he appeared only once for Albany in the American Hockey League. His post-career struggles were appropriately well-documented following his retirement from hockey, writing a story about how injuries, particularly concussions, have been taking their toll on athletes long after their playing days are over.

Rest in peace, Stephen.