More tragic details provided on media personality Shawn Simpson’s death

On Thursday, tragic news emerged out of Ottawa that longtime Senators analyst and media personality Shawn Simpson had passed away at just 56 years old.

The popular radio host had been open about his struggles in mental health in the past, sharing with fans that he had been close to taking his own life before. From what posts revealed throughout the day yesterday, including one from his very close friend Ian Mendes, it is believed that Simpson took his own life.

Simpson ever shied away from the fact that he had depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, sharing with fans his day to day struggles and encouraging them to seek out help for their own problems.

On Thursday, it was a close friend of Simpson that shared more details on what happened just before the analyst died. Derick Fage posted on social media that Simmer had been living at he and his wife’s house as he was looking for a place following a stint in rehab. Simpson had been release from rehab, though the post does not specify if it was for alcohol or drugs addiction, or time away to treat depression. Fage explained how the couple is heartbroken over his passing.

“Shawn moved in with us in September. He was looking for a place to live after his release from rehab and we live in his old neighbourhood. We are devastated. We will miss you Shawn. I will miss our Sens chats.”

Throughout his career as a media personality, Simpson opened up about his past, sharing how he was adopted in Vancouver and dealt with his parents’ divorce and many ensuing moves before he started off his career playing hockey.

As an undersized goaltender in the 1980s, Simpson faced an uphill battle at making it to the pros. He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft 60th overall and spent parts of three years with the team’s AHL affiliate in Baltimore. While he never played a game for the Capitals, he did dress as the team’s backup goalie for playoff games in 1990. After his short pro playing career he quickly transitioned to broadcasting work with the Capitals’ television team and eventually was hired by the Capitals as a scout. He worked for the club for six years as a scout until 1997 when he was promoted to director of hockey operations for the Capitals, while also serving as the general manager of the team’s AHL affiliate Portland Pirates. Eventually in 2004 he left the organization to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as a scout.

In 2012, Simpson once again entered the media world joining TSN 1200 in Ottawa where he co hosted “The Drive” and his own show “Simmer Down”. This is where the public came to really know and love Simmer. He was an all time beauty who had no issues calling things as he saw them. He was outspoken and always wore his heart on his sleeve. He had his contract terminated by Bell Media in 2023.

Rest in peace, Simmer. You don’t have to fight your demons any longer.