Former WHL player Rob Trumbley's family believes concussions led to his death

Lisa Degelman's younger brother died earlier this year, and in her heart, she believes she knows what the cause was. 

"It was concussions," she said, "and their effect on his brain."

Rob Trumbley, originally from Regina, was a former enforcer who played for WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors and was a draft pick for the Vancouver Canucks. He died at the age of 50 on Jan. 13, and his sister says he died by suicide.

Degelman said that he spent his adult life playing hard, fighting often and battling the invisible wounds left behind.

Trumbley may have made his name in the rink as an enforcer, but off the ice, his sister says he was gentle and kind. 

She said they weren't especially close growing up, but reconnected more in recent years. Since his death, she's heard from friends and former teammates who remember his generosity.

"I had someone reach out to me and say, he [Trumbley] texted me and said if your daughter ever needs help in the movie industry, I've got connections," she said. 

Degelman said that even in his toughest moments, he rarely showed how much he was struggling. 

"He fought through it and, eventually, just lost the will when he was 50," she said. 

Degelman said Trumbley struggled with addiction and undiagnosed depression, though she believes those were all linked to repeated head trauma.

She said he got so many concussions that the family couldn't keep track, and that players didn't get tested at baseline like they are now.   

"A Friday night after he clearly got concussed ... Saturday night, he played again. And it'd be very rare in a game that he wouldn't fight or at least hit," she said. 

Diagnosis confirmed after death

She recalled how symptoms slowly started showing up over the years: Light sensitivity, debilitating headaches, mood swings. Degelman said that in the end, it wasn't addiction that was the problem, it was CTE. 

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries.

Trumbley had plans to go to Toronto for testing, but never made it. Degelman said that after his death, his brain was donated to researchers at the University of Toronto, and on April 15, the diagnosis was confirmed.

"It was not surprising ... a whole lot of sadness because it was confirmed. We knew he struggled, but now we 100 per cent know he's struggled quite bad." 

In the weeks since his death, Degelman has heard from people who see their loved ones in Trumbley's story — others with suspected undiagnosed CTE or concerns about it who are now seeking mental health help because of the family's openness.

"If we can help one person, that's enough," she said.

Degelman and her husband want to honour Trumbley by advocating for more awareness and support, especially for men and former athletes. 

"The stigma is still there," she said, "especially for men." 

Degelman said there is more understanding now than there was when Trumbley used to play. For now, they're celebrating his life, and after that, they're not sure how they'll continue their advocacy, but she's sure they will. 

She said Trumbley was a protector on the ice, and now they'll be protecting his legacy. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to look for help:

• Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.

This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.