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How did Mark Pavelich die? Rangers star dubbed 'Miracle on Ice' was seeking mental health treatment before death at 63

The professional ice hockey forward displayed exceptional skills in 355 regular season games in the National Hockey League

National Hockey League’s ice hockey forward Mark Pavelich, famously known as the “Miracle on Ice”, was found dead at a treatment facility in central Minnesota. He was 63. The former New York Rangers player was receiving mental health treatment, as reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The 5-foot-7 Minnesota native was under civil commitment after assaulting his neighbor with a four-foot metal pipe in August 2019. According to the New York Post, cops were called to Pavelich’s residence around 8:30 am on Thursday, March 4. Apparently, no one had seen Pavelich since 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 3.
 
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How did Mark Pavelich die?

Mark Pavelich was a professional ice hockey forward who showed his exceptional skills in 355 regular-season games in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars and San Jose Sharks between 1981 and 1992.  If we talk about his unfortunate death, the cause and manner behind the same are yet to be determined. According to Minneapolis Star Tribune, his body was taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office in Anoka.

Ranger's front office also released an official statement sharing their condolences for the great ice hockey player. “Pavelich's determination, passion, and dazzling playmaking ability earned him the adoration of Rangers fans. ... Mark helped inspire a nation through the integral role he played on the "Miracle on Ice" team in the 1980 Olympics.” Pavelich was one of the top players for Eveleth High School and later he joined the University of Minnesota Duluth, Pavelich where he won the gold with his U.S. teammates in the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y. When he assisted on Mike Eruzione’s winning goal in a stunning David-Goliath upset of the favorites Soviet Union in their medal-round game, he was given the title of “Miracle on Ice" which also inspired the Hollywood 2004 movie ‘Miracle’. The official public relations account of NHL also tweeted about the legendary player.  After hanging up his boots,  much of Pavelich’s life revolved around legal, personal and mental issues. 

‘Such an entertaining player to watch’

As soon as the news of the ice hockey forward’s death hit the Internet, many logged in to Twitter to give their condolences. The NHL Alumni Association tweeted, “The NHL Alumni Association is saddened to learn of the passing of Mark Pavelich. Mark was an instrumental part of the 1980 Miracle on Ice team and went on to play 355 NHL games accumulating 329 points. We send our deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends during this time.” Another hockey institution shared, “We are saddened to hear about the passing of 1980 Olympic gold medalist Mark Pavelich. We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family & friends. Forever a part of hockey history.” One said, “We join the USA Hockey community in grieving the loss of Mark Pavelich.  Rest easy, Mark.”  

The next one posted, “As a kid growing up in Hibbing I used to go to the arena and hang out with gear in hand waiting to see if I could skate w the teams that rented the ice! Mark Pavelich always let me join with the Eveleth guys! He taught me so much about the game! #RIP pav”  One user added, “Miracle on Ice hockey hero Mark Pavelich has died at the age of 63, according to multiple reports.He wore the red, white and blue on the world’s biggest stage and reminded us all of the greatness of America. Rest easy, Mark.” One concluded, “I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Eveleth native Mark Pavelich. He was such an entertaining player to watch - amazing hands and so creative. RIP Pav. #MiracleOnIce Flag of United States”