Image by Getty Images via @daylifeThe results of the autopsy are now public,
Derek Boogaard died by mixing Oxycodone and alcohol which ended up being a fatal combination because of
synergistic effects of alcohol and other drugs which turned out to be a fatal combination.
Amy Forliti, Associated Press — A medical examiner in Minnesota ruled the death of Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard was an accident, due to mixing alcohol and oxycodone.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner released Boogaard's cause of death today. The medical examiner said no other data will be released.
The 28-year-old Boogaard was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment last Friday, five months after he sustained a season-ending concussion with the New York Rangers.
The 6-foot-7, 265-pound enforcer became a fan favorite in his years with the Minnesota Wild. He played in 255 games with the Wild from 2005-10.
Oxycodone is a powerful painkiller that can be addictive and has been blamed in some overdose deaths.
Boogaard's agent and a spokeswoman for the Boston University School of Medicine said earlier this week that Boogaard's brain will be examined for signs of a degenerative disease often found in athletes who sustain repeated hits to the head.
Boogaard was known as "The Boogeyman" — one of the league's most feared fighters. He agreed to a $6.5 million, four-year deal with the Rangers in July and appeared in 22 games last season, finishing with a goal, an assist and 45 penalty minutes.
His final game was Dec. 9 at Ottawa when he fought Matt Carkner and sustained a concussion and shoulder injury. That was the 70th fight of his NHL career.
