Detroit Red Wings prospect Bryan Rufenach was electrocuted when he touched the overhead power line after climbing atop a stopped train while traveling in Switzerland, according to a translation of a story in the Swiss media outlet 20min.ch.
By Dave Reginek, NHLI via Getty Images
Red Wings prospect Bryan Rufenach was on a backpacking tour of Europe when he died.
Sponsored Links
A friend with whom he was traveling was unhurt.
Rufenach, 23, a native of Barrie, Ontario, was the Red Wings' fifth choice (208th overall) in the 2007 NHL draft. The defenseman made his pro debut with the ECHL's Toledo Walleye at the end of the 2010-11 season and split last season between the Walleye and the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Griffins of the American Hockey League.
"Bryan was an up-and-coming player in our organization who improved a great deal this season and had a bright future ahead of him," Griffins coach Curt Fraser said in a statement. "He was a really good kid - smart and quiet - who understood his role, worked hard every day he came to the rink and was a pleasure to coach. We're going to miss him."
The teams announced his death Wednesday but gave no details of the circumstances. His hometown newspaper, the Lindsay (Ontario) Post, first reported that Rufenach was electrocuted but also did not provide details.
"Bryan was a great teammate and would play any role asked of him," Walleye coach Nick Vitucci said.
Tweeted Red Wings prospect Brendan Smith: "Great player and was an even better person."
For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.
More from USATODAY
- Taco Bell introduces more upscale itemsUSATODAY.com in Money
- Danica Patrick marvels at 'smoking-hot' pal Brooklyn Decker USATODAY.com in Sports
- Phoenix Coyotes deal: Goldwater seeks restraining order USATODAY.com in Sports
- Ex-NFL player talks of challenge of being gay in locker room USATODAY.com in The Huddle
- Former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch found dead USATODAY.com in Life
More from the web
- As Facebook grows, millions say, ‘no, thanks’ The Mesh Report
- Pythons Swallow Whole Deer in Florida, $6 Million Tab Bloomberg.com
- The Top 5 Apps for Your SmartPhone Coupon Shoe Box
- Raspberry Ketone: Dr. Oz Touts 'Miracle' Weight Loss Supplement, But Is It Real? The Huffington Post - Healthy Living
No comments:
Post a Comment