Tragedy strikes top Red Wings divisional foe Ottawa Senators

PUBLICATION

Jack Sutherland
January 30, 2025 (8:17 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

A top divisional foe of the Red Wings has announced a tragic passing in their extended family, as the Ottawa Senators lost former announcer Shawn Simpson suddenly at the age of 56.

Former Ottawa Senators media member Shawn Simpson has passed away suddenly at the age of 56. Right now, an official cause of death has yet to be offered.

The Ottawa Senators were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Shawn Simpson, lionhearted member of the Sens media landscape and proud member of the Ottawa community.

Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as his fans whose lives he touched throughout his hockey and media career.

His former colleague Ian Mendes released the following statement in the wake of his passing:

A former draft pick of the Washington Capitals in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, Simpson was a member of the 1987 Canadian national junior team and later played for Washington's AHL affiliate before later being promoted to director of hockey operations; the Capitals advanced to the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals, where they were swept by the Red Wings.

The Capitals released the following statement on Simpson's passing

The Washington Capitals are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shawn Simpson. Drafted by the Capitals in 1986, Shawn spent many years in our organization as a player, broadcaster, scout and director of hockey operations. We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to Shawn's family, friends and colleagues.

Later in his career, Simpson served as the director of hockey operations for the KHL's Dynamo Minsk before taking a job with TSN 1200 Ottawa to provide postgame coverage for Senators games.