It’s been exactly two years since Jimmy Hayes died after an accidental drug overdose. His brother, Kevin, recently wrote about his legacy in a moving piece for The Players’ Tribune.
Formatted as a letter Kevin addressed to his late brother, it’s filled with emotions. Though rooted in tragedy, it also includes several humorous anecdotes testament to Jimmy’s heartfelt personality.
The two grew up in Dorchester and played locally before eventually being drafted into the NHL.
Kevin, three years younger than Jimmy, reflected on his brother’s altruistic nature even as kids.
“I’ve never seen a kid who just wanted everybody else to be alright, all the time,” Kevin wrote of his brother.