Chris Simon, a former National Hockey League (NHL) player, has died at the age of 52, with his family stating chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as the cause of his death. Simon, who had a career spanning across seven NHL teams and also played in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), was celebrated for his tenacity on the ice and his team spirit. He was part of the Colorado Avalanche team that secured the Stanley Cup in the 1995-96 season. His passing is linked to struggles with CTE, an issue underscored by the recent revelation of a professional rugby union player diagnosed with the condition, highlighting the risks of sustained head trauma in contact sports.

In the tennis world, the community is rallying in support of Aryna Sabalenka following the death of her boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, in Miami. Former world No. 1, Caroline Wozniacki, expressed her condolences, terming the event as ‘heartbreaking’ and praising Sabalenka for her resilience amidst the ordeal. The incident has introduced a somber mood into the ongoing Miami Open, with players and fans coming together to offer support to Sabalenka. This gesture of solidarity showcases the sports community’s strength in times of personal tragedy, reinforcing the notion of unity beyond the competitive aspects of the game.