Senators captain Erik Karlsson and his wife, Melinda, have lost their child, who was due in April, Ottawa announced Tuesday afternoon.
"The collective thoughts and prayers of the Ottawa Senators organization, the city of Ottawa and entire hockey community rest with Erik and Melinda Karlsson following the loss of their son," the team said in a statement.
"We ask that you respect the family's wishes for privacy during the grieving process."
The Senators had earlier announced that Karlsson would not play against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.
Karlsson has 56 points -- eight goals and 48 assists -- through 66 games. He has a 23.8 percent shooting percentage.
The Karlssons were married last summer in Ottawa. They announced the pregnancy in November and later announced the child was a boy.
The Ottawa Senators announced Tuesday afternoon that their captain Erik Karlsson, and his wife Melinda, lost their son.
The pair were due to have a baby boy in April. The couple had recently announced Melinda’s pregnancy with a gender reveal in December.
From the Ottawa Senators’ official statement:
The collective thoughts and prayers of the Ottawa Senators organization, the city of Ottawa and entire hockey community rest with Erik and Melinda Karlsson following the loss of their son. We ask that you respect the family’s wishes for privacy during the grieving process.
Condolences are being shared for the couple across Twitter.
Our thoughts are with Erik Karlsson and his wife Melinda. https://t.co/5E8ilYqXXo — TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) March 20, 2018
Heartbreaking news from the Ottawa Senators. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Karlsson family https://t.co/6Q6jWi8b55 — Tim and Sid (@timandsid) March 20, 2018
The entire LA Kings’ organization is thinking of Erik Karlsson and his family during this time ❤ — LA Kings (@LAKings) March 20, 2018
Our heart is broken for the Karlssons.
The Ottawa Senators announced Tuesday afternoon that captain Erik Karlsson and his wife Melinda have lost their son.
“The collective thoughts and prayers of the Ottawa Senators organization, the city of Ottawa and entire hockey community rest with Erik and Melinda Karlsson following the loss of their son. We ask that you respect the family’s wishes for privacy during the grieving process.”
The couple had previously announced in an Instagram post that they were expecting their first child in late November. According to the CBC, the baby was due in mid-April.
“The most exciting news we have ever received arrived earlier this year. Can’t wait to meet you,” Karlsson wrote.
The hockey world reached out through social media to express their condolences after such a tragic loss.
The players and staff of the NHLPA extend their condolences to Erik and Melinda Karlsson following the loss of their son. https://t.co/gjoLYo5Ihw — NHLPA (@NHLPA) March 20, 2018
The entire LA Kings' organization is thinking of Erik Karlsson and his family during this time ❤️ — LA Kings (@LAKings) March 20, 2018
Absolutely gut wrenching. Prayers go to @ErikKarlsson65 and family. https://t.co/HPPURZ2ryi — Pierre LeBrun (@Pierre_VLeBrun) March 20, 2018
Today is a day to remember that there are way more important things in life and hockey is just a game!! Our condolences to @ErikKarlsson65 and his wife Melinda on their tragic loss!!
The Savard Family — Marc Savard (@MSavvy91) March 20, 2018
One thing I learned when we started to try to have kids: you are not in control, and that can be one of the hardest things in the world. — Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) March 20, 2018
So dang sad about Erik Karlsson and his family, they just announced they were having a kid in December. No amount of success or money that could ease that loss. — Satchel Price (@SatchelPrice) March 20, 2018
Our thoughts are with Erik Karlsson and his wife Melinda. https://t.co/5E8ilYqXXo — TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) March 20, 2018
OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators say the son of captain Erik Karlsson has died.
"The collective thoughts and prayers of the Ottawa Senators organization, the city of Ottawa and entire hockey community rest with Erik and Melinda Karlsson following the loss of their son," the team said in a release.
News Release: Ottawa Senators issue statement on the Karlsson family: https://t.co/712XXwzO7M
Communiqué : Les Sénateurs d'Ottawa émettent une déclaration au sujet de la famille Karlsson : https://t.co/yQxSm37GpB — Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 20, 2018
"We ask that you respect the family's wishes for privacy during the grieving process."
The couple announced in November that they were expecting their first child, and Karlsson had previously said the baby was due in mid-April, reports CBC.
Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators and Melinda Currey attend the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas.
The Senators had said earlier that Karlsson would not play in Tuesday's game against the visiting Florida Panthers.
