Leaf GM Burke's son dies

[Classyathome]

Brendan Burke was 21

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke's youngest son has died in a car crash.

The Maple Leafs left New Jersey with heavy hearts Friday night after learning that Brendan Burke, youngest son of general manager Brian Burke, had passed away.

According to a release issued by the team, Brendan Burke "succumbed to injuries he suffered in an auto accident earlier (Friday) in Indiana. The family asks for privacy at this difficult time," the statement added.

The incident occurred in Wayne County, Ind., when a black Jeep lost control and slid into the westbound lane of U.S. 35, where it hit another vehicle head on.

Police confirmed that Brendan Burke, 21, and Mark Reedy, 18, were both killed. Heavy snows were blamed for the accident.

Brendan was a student at the University of Miami (Ohio) and worked with the school¹s hockey team, "I wish every parent could experience having a child like him," Brian Burke said several months ago.

The relationship between father and son was put to the test when Brendan told his father he was gay during Christmas of 2007. Instead of putting a wedge between the two, it seemed to strengthen their bond.

Brian Burke, in fact, would subsequently say he envied how easily people trusted Brendan and how his son had a sweet side he himself did not possess.

Brendan's heart-tugging story was revealed in an ESPN story a couple of months ago. Brendan admitted being overwhelmed at the heart-warming support he received after the story was published.

Now he is gone, having not even reached his 22nd birthday.

A tragic loss.

Sad, indeed - as a parent, I can't imagine...

 

[KharmaGirl]

As a Sens fan, I"m supposed to hate everything Leafs. However, I really respect Brian Burke. He is a smart, talented man who knows how to assemble great teams. He is also supposed to leave to GM Team USA tomorrow. How he is going to handle the Olympics right now, I don't know. This is going to gut him. Him and Brendan were close. Brendan seemed like just as smart and courageous a guy as his father. To come out, publicly, in a testosterone laden sport like hockey takes guts. I heard him in a interview and he seemed like such a nice, polite, smart guy with a great future ahead of him. I send all my love to the entire Burke family....no one should have to go thru this. I bet the Leafs are going to play hard again tonight for him.....which isn't good news for my team.....but in the end it's just a game and family is always first.