Mark Pavelich, a member of the “Miracle on Ice” 1980 Olympic hockey team, was found dead in a treatment facility in Minnesota, US Hockey confirmed on Friday.
The cause of death was not immediately known. Pavelich was 63.
“We are sad to hear of the passing of 1980 Olympic gold medalist Mark Pavelich,” tweeted USA Hockey. “We offer our deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends. Forever a part of hockey history.”
The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune first reported details of Pavelich’s death. Police were called to Pavelich’s home at the facility at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time on Thursday, where he was found dead. He was last seen at the facility at approximately 8 p.m. Wednesday, where he was receiving mental health treatment.
Pavelich lived in the facility after a court ruled that he was unfit to face an attack on his neighbor in August 2019. Pavelich was charged with four felonies before the attack, in which the victim left several broken bones.
The judge said Pavelich “is unable to rationally consult with counsel, is unable to understand the proceedings and is unable to participate in the defense due to mental illness or disability.” Pavelich attacked the neighbor with a metal rod.
Pavelich’s sister, Jean Gevik, told the Star Tribune in 2019 that the family thought Pavelich may have been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
“Mark is the nicest and gentlest person you’ve ever known,” Gevik told the newspaper. “This is a completely different man.” Gevik said her brother had a history of concussion in the NHL.
Pavelich, a 5-foot-long center, was an All-American at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He assisted Mike Eruzione’s winning goal that toppled the heavily favored Soviet Union at the 1980 Olympics. Pavelich played in the NHL from 1981 to 1987 and in the 1991-92 season. He spent five seasons with the New York Rangers and also played for the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota North Stars.
“The New York Rangers are saddened by the death of Mark Pavelich,” the Rangers said in a statement. His determination, passion and dazzling playing skills earned him the admiration of Rangers fans during his five-year tenure in New York. Mark helped inspire a country through the integral role he played in the “Miracle on Ice” team in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Our thoughts are with Mark’s loved ones during this difficult time. “