Bobby Hull, a prominent Hall of Fame forward and two-time MVP of the NHL, was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death two years ago, according to a statement from his widow released on Wednesday. Hull, who played a pivotal role in helping the Chicago Blackhawks clinch the Stanley Cup in 1961, passed away in 2023 at the age of 84.

The Boston University CTE Center reported that Hull had reached stage 2 of the degenerative brain disease when he died. Over the last decade of his life, Hull experienced significant challenges related to memory loss and difficulties with decision-making. He decided to donate his brain for research purposes after witnessing the struggles faced by his former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer, Stan Mikita, as his health declined.

Deborah Hull, Bobby’s wife for 39 years, shared in her statement, “Witnessing the suffering endured by Stan Mikita’s family deeply affected Bobby. He was determined that no other family should go through the pain of CTE.” She emphasized his commitment to contributing to research aimed at better understanding the disease, which continues to afflict many former athletes.

Regarded as “The Golden Jet” due to his remarkable speed and striking blond hair, Hull ranks as one of the top forwards in NHL history, tallying 610 goals during his 16-season career with teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Hartford Whalers, and Winnipeg Jets. He captivated countless fans with his exceptional shooting and skating abilities, making him the all-time leading scorer for the Blackhawks with 604 goals. Additionally, he scored 303 goals during his time in the World Hockey Association over seven seasons.

Dr. Ann McKee, who heads the Boston University CTE Center, expressed gratitude toward Bobby Hull and other NHL players and their families for their contributions to CTE research. “We urge retired players and their families to seek assistance and care if they have concerns about CTE, as we are making progress in effectively treating symptoms, particularly in middle age,” she stated.

In November, the NHL Players’ Association announced the creation of an advisory committee aimed at educating hockey players about CTE and the potential risks associated with concussions. A study released by Boston University in December analyzed deceased male hockey players, revealing that 18 out of 19 former NHL players examined had CTE, including notable names such as Hull, Mikita, Ralph Backstrom, Bob Probert, and Derek Boogaard. Moreover, the research indicated that the risk of developing CTE escalates by 34% for every year spent playing hockey.

CTE is a progressive brain condition that has been found in athletes and military veterans who have suffered concussions or repeated head impacts. Diagnosis can only be confirmed after death through a thorough examination of brain tissue.