Ray Emery Death: Former NHL Goalie Drowned During Early Morning Swim

Former NHL goalie Ray Emery died Sunday after a swimming accident in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. While autopsy report has not be released, police said the 35-year-old drowned during the early morning swim.

According to Hamilton police, a missing report was filed for Emery early Sunday. Hours later, his body was recovered from near the area where he was last seen. Police said Emery, who was an Ottawa Senators fourth-round draft pick in 2001, had been swimming in the area and “failed to emerge after diving.”

"They went out for a swim, and unfortunately, he did not emerge after diving in," police Inspector Marty Schulenberg told the Hamilton Spectator. "We responded along with Hamilton Fire and EMS. Unfortunately, our efforts on the water and in the area just around the piers were met with negative results."

An official cause of death for Emery, who helped the Ottawa Senators reach the final in 2007 and won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, is yet to be announced. Over 11 NHL seasons, Emery — nicknamed "Razor" — played for the Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks.

Just hours after his death was announced, Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement.

"On behalf of the Ottawa Senators, I wish to express my sincere condolences on the passing of Ray Emery. Ray was instrumental in our run to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, and at his best, he brought a competitive edge and combative mentality to the game. On behalf of our entire organization, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Ray's family, friends and loved ones," Melnyk wrote.

The Flyers also issued a statement saying they are "stunned and extremely saddened."

"Ray was an outstanding teammate and an extremely gifted goaltender," the statement said. "He had an exceptional athleticism, was a fierce competitor and battled in every game he played with the Flyers. His performances throughout the 2009-10 season were a very big part of the team's success in making the playoffs and reaching the Stanley Cup Final."

"The Blackhawks will fondly remember Ray as a fierce competitor, a good teammate and a Stanley Cup champion," the team said in a statement.