Tampa, FL – Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito says his family is "shocked and saddened" by the death of his daughter at the age of 43.
Carrie Selivanov, who was married to former NHL player Alex Selivanov, died Monday in Germany after suffering from an unknown illness, according to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Esposito, who co-founded the team, released a statement through the Lightning on Tuesday:
"On behalf of Alex Selivanov, Carrie's sisters Laurie and Cherise, and my wife Bridget, I'd like to thank everyone in the Tampa Bay community and in the hockey fraternity for their thoughts, prayers and well wishes as we grieve Carrie's passing yesterday.
"We are shocked and saddened with her death but we will remember her for the energy and vigor that she brought to each day of her life. Our focus will now center on her sons Dylan, Nikko and Rocco."
Esposito's daughter had been living in Germany with Selivanov, a former Lightning player, and their three children. Alex Selivanov had been playing and coaching in the Netherlands.
The Lightning said private funeral services would be held for Carrie Selivanov later this week in Germany.
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