Tragedy strikes Canadiens’ Brendan Gallagher

Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher shared devastating news with his fans on Thursday morning, publishing on Instagram an emotional social media post that his mother, Della Gallagher, had passed away. 

Along with a series of cherished photos with his mother to Instagram, Gallagher wrote:

“The best mom we could have had! Grateful for all the amazing memories we have. I will cherish them and remember them always.

Not a day will go by I won’t want to pick up the phone and call you, or give you a big hug [and] tell you I love you. But we will all charge on with everything you taught us making you proud every single day.

Rest in peace mom, I love you. I miss you.”

In the comments, Emma Fortin, Gallagher’s newly wedded wife wrote:

“The best mom, grandma and mother in law. Forever in our hearts. Love you.”

Fortin also made a post on her own Instagram account, in a story in which she shared a clip of Gallagher’s emotional goal celebration from Tuesday night’s win over the Ottawa Senators. After the tally, Gallagher pounded his heart on the ice, and

Fortin captioned it: “For Della.”

On the Canadiens’ post of the video of the goal, Gallagher commented: For mom.

Almost four years ago, Della was diagnosed with glioblastoma — a highly aggressive form of brain cancer.

Fortin and Gallagher welcomed their first child earlier this month. It is comforting to know that Della met her grandchild before her passing.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gallagher and all who loved Della.

The Canadiens are in action later tonight in New York against the Islanders.