Atlanta Thrashers' Forward Dan Snyder dies

WSB-TV/DT Atlanta (11P News) | 10.5.03

[mhking]

WSB-TV just broke in to say that Dan Snyder, the Atlanta Thrashers forward who has been in a coma since an automobile accident last week has died this evening at Atlanta's Grady Memorial Hospital.

[Willie Green]

RIP

[Support Free Republic]

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[CARTOUCHE]

Pity. We just flew Dan and his Thrasher teammates down to Tampa a couple weeks ago. A nice group of guys were they.

[Pokey78]

Danny Heatley's problems just increased.

Atlanta Police Senior Officer Jeff Hensal looks
over the 2002 black Ferrari 360 convertible that
Thrashers forward Dany Heatley crashed Monday evening
in Buckhead. The force of the wreck split the
car and ejected passenger and teammate Dan Snyder.

[Pokey78]

Heatley's Ferrari showed at least 100 feet of skidmarks, the police report said.

[KansasCanadian]

With their star player facing a felony charge and his teammate in a coma from a car crash in Buckhead, Thrashers fans arrived Wednesday night at Philips Arena unsure what to think or how to feel.

"I was in shock when I heard," said Kourtney Witham, a junior at Peachtree City's McIntosh High School. "Then I started crying."


CURTIS COMPTON / AJC
Thrashers fans (from left) Krystle Stewart, Kourtney Witham and Jessie Thompson, all 16, from Peachtree City, post signs supporting injured Thrashers forward Dany Heatley and center Dan Snyder as the team takes the ice for a preseason game.



Witham and classmate Krystle Stewart were wearing Thrashers sweaters -- Stewart's bore Dany Heatley's name and number on the back -- and brought handmade posters to Wednesday's exhibition game. One was for Heatley, the star right wing and the driver of the Ferrari demolished in Monday night's crash along Lenox Road. The other was for Dan Snyder, Heatley's passenger and friend, who remained in a coma at Grady Memorial Hospital.

"We love you," the signs at rinkside read. "Get well soon." Each poster featured pictures of Witham and Stewart with the players, whom they had met at a Thrashers practice last season.

Heatley has been charged with serious injury by vehicle, a felony, and four traffic-related misdemeanors. Though he remains hospitalized, he posted a $50,000 bond on Tuesday, according to team officials and the Fulton County Sheriff's Department.

Did news of the crash, in which Heatley reportedly was driving his Ferrari 80 mph on a hilly two-lane road, make Stewart feel any different about her favorite player? "No," she said. "It's an accident."

"I'm 34," said Joel Gilbert, a season ticket holder from Lake City. "[Heatley's] 22. I've talked about it with other fans. I understand what he did. He's young; he has all that money. I feel bad for Snyder, and I feel bad for Heatley. It could affect him the rest of his career, if he has a rest of his career."

"He picked the wrong place to go 80 in a Ferrari," said Nathan Whitmire, a 10th-grader at Griffin High.

The Thrashers, about to open their fifth season, are being hailed as a playoff-caliber team for the first time. Heatley was the most valuable player in last season's All-Star Game and was touted by The Hockey News as "The New Face of the NHL." Snyder, a 25-year-old center, is known as a rugged player who, according to season ticket holder Diane Griffiths of Alpharetta, "You could tell really loved the sport."

Griffiths, 43, was wearing a sweater bearing Snyder's name and number.

In their game against Florida, each Thrasher wore Snyder's No. 37 and Heatley's No. 15 on the backs of their helmets.

Griffiths and her husband, Jeffery, had attended Monday night's meet-and-greet session with Thrashers players and had seen Snyder and Heatley there.

Did the crash change Griffiths' opinion of Heatley? "A little bit," she said. "He's your typical 20-year-old who thinks he's bulletproof."

"I was really looking forward to this season," said Keith McMillan of Conyers. "This puts a damper on it. They're integral parts of the team."

"I was telling somebody today," said Michael Boggs of Griffin, "that losing Heatley is like the Braves losing Chipper [Jones]."

Heatley suffered a broken jaw, a minor concussion, bruising of the lung and injuries to his left shoulder and right knee. The condition of both players remained unchanged Wednesday, according to Emory neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta and Thrashers team physician Scott Gillogly.

Snyder's agent, Todd Reynolds of Toronto, said: "My understanding is that he had a good night. They put a shunt in his head to drain some fluid off his brain."

Of Snyder's family, Reynolds said: "They're experiencing every emotion under the sun." Asked if the Snyders were considering legal action against Heatley, the agent said, "I wouldn't know at this point. They're just worried about the comfort of their son."

'Outstanding' support

The family released a public statement Wednesday evening. "We are humbled and overwhelmed by the support and prayers that we've received from all over, especially from back home," the statement said. "Dany Heatley and our son, Dan, need strong support and positive energy in order to be able to overcome the difficult challenges that lie ahead.

"The support from the Thrashers family, the doctors and entire staff at Grady Memorial Hospital has been outstanding. Both Dan and Dany are getting the best care possible. These two young men are in need of our prayers, and we thank you again for your thoughtfulness during this difficult time."

Snyder underwent brain surgery Tuesday for an "acceleration/deceleration" injury. Gupta, who performed the surgery, said Wednesday that further monitoring was needed to determine the extent of Snyder's injury.

Gupta said Snyder's condition was "a 6 or a 7" on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which measures the level of consciousness and the depth of brain injury according to three criteria: eye-opening, muscle response and movement, and verbal responses. A score of 8 or lower indicates severe brain injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site and other neurological literature.

"Statistically, the lower number you come in with, the worse off you'll do," said John Dobrasz, a physician's assistant at Peachtree Neurosurgery. "A 6 or 7 would indicate a fairly severe injury."

A comatose patient's evaluation on the second or third day is used to predict functional outcome, experts say. Said Leslie Innes of the Brain Surgery Resource Foundation: "Every brain injury is different and every single individual responds differently to a coma. It's all about what part of the brain is damaged. I've known people who have been in comas for months, and they came out of them and are leading normal lives."

Felony charge

If convicted of the felony charge, Heatley could face one to 15 years in prison. The misdemeanor charge of reckless driving could bring a fine of $1,000 or one year in prison. The other charges -- driving too fast for conditions, driving on the wrong side of the road and striking a fixed object -- are less serious.

Bond for Heatley was set at $50,000 Tuesday afternoon at a conference in the chambers of Fulton County Magistrate Richard Hicks between senior assistant district attorney Shondeana Crews and defense lawyer Don Samuel, representing Heatley.

"The district attorney is prosecuting the case because of the felony charge, which automatically makes it our jurisdiction," said Erik Friedly, a spokesman for Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard.

Samples of Heatley's blood were sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's lab to be tested for possible alcohol and drug use, a standard procedure after a serious wreck.

No Thrashers had visited Snyder or Heatley. Goalie Byron Dafoe said players were asked to wait a few days before going to see their teammates. "Both of them are in untouchable areas right now," Dafoe said. "We've been told to stay away until they get to a more accommodating area."

But Florida Panther Darcy Hordichuk, a former Thrasher, arrived Tuesday night in Atlanta and told a cab driver to take him to Grady. Hordichuk saw both players, he said.

"It wasn't a pretty sight," he said. "That's usually not the way you see Snides. He's the joker in the room. He's the one always smiling, the one who keeps everybody relaxed."

Of Heatley, Hordichuk said: "He's only worried about Snides right now and how Snides might be doing. [Heatley's] in shock right now. He still can't believe after seeing the pictures of the vehicle that they're both alive. Somebody up top was looking out for them."

[RWR8189]

Bad night for Atlanta...

[Diddle E. Squat]

Heatley should serve a MINIMUM of a year in jail, including at least a season without playing. His recklessness killed a man. No excuses.

[July 4th]

Heatley was in one of my classes as an undergrad, and seemed like a decent guy. Actually went to class, didn't screw around. Looks like his sudden rush to fame has gotten the better of him.

[ch53gunner]

" Looks like his sudden rush to fame has gotten the better of him.

---

When these young men have so much money, fame and adoration thrown at them, it seems they catch the inevitable "Superman" syndrome - they need to really teach these young men how to handle the kind of responsibility that comes with the status. I pray for Heatley's health, but more for his state of mind.

[Major Matt Mason]

Heatley should serve a MINIMUM of a year in jail, including at least a season without playing. His recklessness killed a man. No excuses.

Agreed. Hopefully this won't be another case of a welathy celebrity getting a pass because of his status. If the average Joe were to face jail time for this, then so should Heatley. Of course, he could be facing more than just jail time, since the family of the deceased player will most likely sue Heatley.

The NHL was investing some hope in Heatley as a young star on the rise, with Heatley being the featured player on the box of one of this year's video games (which apparently is a sign of stardom these days). The league will have to tout someone else, now, since Dany might be indisposed for the next couple of seasons.

[Tall_Texan]

...with Heatley being the featured player on the box of one of this year's video games (which apparently is a sign of stardom these days).

It also appears to be a sign of forboding these days. Someone posted the fates of players featured on videogame boxes of various sports and it wasn't pretty (arrests, injuries, bad seasons). This disease must affect Atlanta players even worse, given what's happened to Heatley and Michael Vick in the past couple of months.

[Tall_Texan]

Some of these comments seem so ironic now, after the player's death.

I do believe God is sovereign over life and death. He has His timetable for everyone and that nobody perishes before His planned time. Sometimes, it makes no sense to mortal man but there's nothing we can do to add to our days.

[richmwill]

From looking at the pictures of that car, I'm surprised that Heatley survived. But as a previous poster alluded to- young people have this "Superman" feeling in them, we think nothing will or can hurt us. I'm 28, and up until a year ago I had that same "invincible" feeling. I would see wrecks and say to myself "Eh- I'd be ok if that were me. I may be a little bruised, but I'd be fine otherwise". It took a friend's accident (thankfully she survived) to show me how wrong I was. I worry that too many young people may still have this invincible feeling, and not worry about the dangers of speeding (especially when alcohol is added to that equation). I hope and pray it never happens, but- all it will take is one accident to change your mind.

Rich

[groanup]

Heatley murdered his teammate. Period. Stupid. Nonsense. And let a lesson be learned.

[stands2reason]

Looks like the SI cover curse has spread...

[My Favorite Headache]

So sad...horrible accident..one of the worst scenes I can remember.

[My Favorite Headache]

HOME : Nhl : News Story Thrashers Snyder dies in hospital Canadian Press Dan Snyder 1978-2003 10/5/2003 ATLANTA (AP) - Atlanta Thrashers forward Dan Snyder died Sunday night, six days after he was involved in a horrific car crash with teammate Dany Heatley.

Snyder of Elmira, Ont., died in hospital from massive brain injuries without ever regaining consciousness, the team said.

Police said Heatley was driving his Ferrari at about 130 kilometres an hour on a narrow two-lane road last Monday night when he lost control, spun off the road and smashed into a brick and wrought iron fence.The car split in half. The players were thrown into the road.Heatley already was facing several charges, including a felony.

``The charges will be upgraded. It hasn't occurred yet,'' Sgt. John Quigley, an Atlanta Police Department spokesman said Sunday night. ``I expect them to be upgraded in the near future.''He said investigators will meet with the District Attorney's office on Monday morning.

``It would likely be vehicular homicide first degree,'' Quigley said. That charge carries a prison sentence of three to 15 years. A plea bargain to the lesser charge of second-degree vehicular homicide, a misdemeanor, is also possible.Heatley already was facing several charges, including a felony - and prosecutors are likely to upgrade the seriousness of the charges with Snyder's death.

Snyder, 25, underwent surgery for a skull fracture but never emerged from his coma.``We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Dan Snyder,'' the Thrashers said in a statement. ``Dan was a teammate and friend to all of us. We feel a tremendous amount of pain as an organization and extend deepest sympathies to his family.''

Snyder, a centre who had 10 goals and four assists in 36 games for Atlanta last season, had surgery on his ankle in September before the start of training camp. He was expected to start the season on the injured list.

``The news of his passing fills all of us with an overwhelming sense of sorrow,'' NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.``The NHL extends its deepest sympathies to his parents who have lost a cherished son, to siblings who have lost a loving brother and to players who have lost a devoted teammate. Our prayers go out to his entire family.''

Snyder signed with the Thrashers as a free agent in 1999 after playing four seasons of junior hockey for Owen Sound in the Ontario Hockey League.He spent most of his first three professional seasons in the minor leagues, helping Orlando win the International Hockey League title in 2000-01 and playing on the Chicago Wolves' American Hockey League championship team in 2001-02. He also played 35 games for Chicago last season, getting 11 goals and 12 assists.

Snyder's death came as a shock, said Brian O'Leary, an assistant coach with the Owen Sound Platers during Snyder's time with that team. ``I really thought he was going to pull out of this thing,'' O'Leary said in a late-night telephone interview with the Owen Sound Sun-Times on Sunday. ``I know the family was optimistic. I know he was in a medically induced coma. I know his vital signs were good. I don't know what happened but as far as everybody knew, everything was progressing well.''

In addition to his legal problems, Heatley also sustained serious injuries in the crash. He underwent surgery Saturday for a broken jaw and an MRI found that he tore two ligaments in his right knee. He will require more surgery in about a week for the knee injury, certainly threatening any return to the ice this season.

Heatley is the gap-toothed leader of the Thrashers, a 22-year-old with both toughness and great skill with the puck. Last season, he scored a team-record 41 goals and was MVP of the all-star game.The Thrashers would only say that Heatley is out indefinitely, but it's clear general manager Don Waddell was planning for the season without his best player. He traded for Carolina Hurricanes goalie Jani Hurme on Friday with an eye toward acquiring help up front.

Atlanta also claimed left wing Serge Aubin from Colorado and left wing Ronald Petrovicky from the New York Rangers in the waiver draft on Friday. Waddell said it's not known if Heatley will miss the entire season. ``Until doctors go in and see the extent of the tear, it's impossible to give an accurate recovery timetable,'' he said. Heatley, who posted a $50,000 US bond, already faced felony charge of serious injury by vehicle and three misdemeanour charges. Police are awaiting test results to determine if Heatley was drinking on the night of the wreck.

[L.N. Smithee]

Oh, my goodness...Dany Heatley's got to be feeling awful...

This is reminiscent of the case of NBA player Todd Lichti, who, IIRC, fell asleep in the passenger seat of a car driven by his girlfriend. He woke up when she crashed into a pole, killing her instantly.