Shawn Simpson wore many hats throughout his career in ice hockey. Simpson accomplished a lot, from playing in the 1987 World Junior Hockey Championship, getting drafted by the Washington Capitals, and becoming their director of hockey operations, to the mainstay at TSN1200 during Ottawa Senators games. Unfortunately, the late 56-year-old was also trapped with mental health.

On January 30th, news surfaced that the radio personality had met his untimely demise. While the reason behind his demise remains undisclosed, the news devastated those close to the former goaltender. “My wife and I are heartbroken at the loss of our friend @SimmerDownCIH. Shawn moved in with us in September,” wrote former Daytime Ottawa host Derick Fage.

The radio host revealed that Shawn Simpson had moved in with them after rehab. Simmer, as he was affectionately known, stayed with Fage while hunting for a place of his own. “Shawn became a member of our family quickly. He wrestled with his demons constantly. He always brightened up talking hockey and politics,” Fage added to his post on X.

“We are devastated. We will miss you Shawn,” Fage added in another post about his late friend. Shawn Simpson’s fellow Senators Pre-and-Post-Game Show on TSN 1200, Graham Creech also spoke about Simpson’s mental health battles. However, Creech noted how the former Portland Pirates GM never let it show it affect his work.

Creech shared that the news “shattered” him and as a testament to the late broadcaster’s strength recalled how even though Shawn fought with his “demons” he never let them affect his work. The tributes kept coming. However, the most emotional account came from podcaster Brent Wallace.

A gut-wrenching story from Shawn Simpson’s friend

While Derick Fage had mentioned rehab, Brent Wallace recalled the incident that prompted the need for Simpson to get into rehab. “August 3rd. 9:34 pm, Shawn texts me. ‘Hey, I’m in some real trouble,'” Wallace started his post. The podcast host then went on to describe how he and mutual friends Ian Mendes and Rich tracked down Simpson.

The trio eventually got Shawn Simpson admitted to the hospital and for the next few days, at least one of them constantly kept the late former Portland Pirates scout company. “He had an aftercare plan, medication, and support. We hired him full-time on the podcast. We truly believed this was the help he needed,” explained Brent Wallace.

Simpson went to stay at the Fage household in September after his ordeal. So it’s no wonder that those close to Simmer are truly devastated after losing their friend and colleague. However, close friends and family aren’t the only ones mourning Simpson. The Ottawa Senators paid tribute to the 56-year-old by observing a moment of silence ahead of their game on Thursday.

Ottawa’s opponents for the night, the Washington Capitals, also paid tribute to the former goaltender. The Washington Capitals are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shawn Simpson,” wrote the team thanking the late radio personality for his contributions and sending their “deepest sympathies,” to Simpson’s friends and family.