Beloved WCHA Official Oliver "Butch" Mousseaux Dies

It's a sad day in the college hockey world. Last weekend, WCHA referee Oliver "Butch" Mousseaux fell and hit his head during the pre-game warmups at Van Andel Arena. Mousseaux suffered a traumatic brain injury from the fall and died from the injuries this morning in an hospital in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Mousseaux was one of the most popular and highly respected officials in college hockey. Make no mistake about it, Mousseaux was a very good on-ice official. He will definitely be missed. Thoughts and prayers going to the Mousseaux family.

From the Peter J. Wallner of MLive -- Butch Mousseaux, who had been a referee with the WCHA since 2003, grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. As the first Native American official, Mousseau's NHL officials' sweater and skates are in the league's Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada.

He is survived by his wife, Macaire, three children Sam (SJ), Abbie, and Olivia; his parents, Oliver and Mary; sisters Beth and Fran, and brothers Charlie and Joey.

This smile will always be part of the college hockey world, & in the hearts of everyone Oliver "Butch" Mousseau met. pic.twitter.com/SFIX5NTV5x

— WCHA Men's Hockey (@WCHA_MHockey) March 25, 2016

RIP Butchy Mousseau...you will be missed! @TheNCHC @WCHA_MHockey pic.twitter.com/uDhDtAQB8y

— Don Adam (@DonAdam7) March 25, 2016

The Big Indian passed away this morning and he will be deeply missed. Please continue to support his family...@TheNCHC @WCHA_MHockey

— Don Adam (@DonAdam7) March 25, 2016

I wept doing this write-thru, reporting & writing it. Oliver "Butch" Mousseaux, NCAA hockey referee, dies at 48: https://t.co/weuKP6D6na

— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) March 25, 2016