Here are 1 famous musicians from Slovakia died at 38:
Marek Špilár (February 11, 1975 Stropkov-September 7, 2013 Prešov) was a Slovak personality.
Marek Špilár was a former professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman. He started his career in Czechoslovakia, playing for HC Košice, then moved to play for a number of teams including the NHL team, Tampa Bay Lightning. In 1993, he was drafted by the Lightning as their second-round pick. He played for the national team of Slovakia in various tournaments including the Winter Olympics in 2002 in Salt Lake City. After retiring from hockey, he worked as a businessman and became involved in charity work. He was known for his kind spirit and generous nature. His death was a shock to the Slovak community, and his legacy lives on through his contributions both on and off the ice.
Špilár's hockey career spanned over a decade, during which he played for teams in Canada, Finland, and Russia in addition to his time in Slovakia and the United States. He won multiple championships in the Slovak Extraliga with HC Košice and also played in the AHL, the KHL, and several European leagues.
Off the ice, Špilár was dedicated to helping others. He founded the Marek Špilár Foundation, which focused on supporting children and young adults facing difficult circumstances, such as those with disabilities or in foster care. He was also passionate about animal welfare and was a supporter of various animal shelters and rescue organizations.
After his death, many of his former teammates and colleagues spoke out about Špilár's positive impact on their lives and the hockey community. His legacy of kindness and generosity continues to inspire others.
Despite his successful career, Marek Špilár faced personal struggles with mental illness. He had publicly spoken out about his battles with depression and anxiety, and was an advocate for mental health awareness. His death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, and fans, and brought attention to the importance of mental health support for athletes and individuals.
In addition to his charity work, Marek Špilár was also involved in coaching young hockey players. He was passionate about helping the next generation of athletes develop their skills and achieve their goals. He was survived by his wife and two children, who continue to honor his legacy through their support of his foundation and advocacy for mental health.
In recognition of his contributions to hockey and charity work, Marek Špilár was posthumously inducted into the Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014. His memory continues to be celebrated by the hockey community in Slovakia and around the world.
He died as a result of suicide.
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