British ice hockey has been united in shock following the sudden death of Fife Flyers player-coach Todd Dutiaume’s pregnant wife.
It is understood that 38-year-old Kelly Dutiaume, who was expecting twins next month, took ill on Monday night.
Flyers issued a statement which said: ”The directors and management of Fife Flyers are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Kelly Dutiaume. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Todd at this sad and difficult time.”
The Elite Ice Hockey League also released a statement, saying: ”The Elite League would like to send its condolences to Todd Dutiaume, his family and the Fife Flyers following the sudden death of Kelly Dutiaume.
”Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”
Kelly, whose maiden name was Hamilton, was a former pupil at Kirkcaldy High School. A lifelong, passionate Fife Flyers fan, she first met Canadian-born Todd, also 38, more than a decade ago after he arrived as a player at the Kirkcaldy club.
The couple married in 2005 and have a three year-old daughter Olivia.
Away from ice hockey, Kelly was a familiar face in the town, having previously worked at BHS and a branch of the Halifax.
As news of the tragedy spread, ice hockey fans from across the United Kingdom and beyond were flooding the Flyers’ Facebook page with tributes.
Some fans from fierce rival clubs even changed their Facebook profiles in tribute to the Rosslyn Street favourites, who play in the Elite League.
Glasgow Braehead Clan fan Sharon McCall said: ”Thoughts and prayers go out to Todd and his family as well as all those in the Fife Flyers organisation who will be feeling the pain for him and with him.
”The times ahead are going to be hard but at times like this there is no rivalryonly the bond of family only hockey can bring.”
Neil Brodie of Kirkcaldy said: ”Heard the tragic news tonight, words are difficult to come by with a loss like this. From myself and family our hearts go out to Todd and Olivia, RIP Kelly and the twins, can’t imagine what Todd and family are going through.”
Blackburn Hawks fan Anna Fothergill said: ”Sending my thoughts to Todd and his family. Three Angels RIP.” Flyers fan Bryan Christie said: ”A tragedy that puts the odd hockey result into perspective. RIP.”
Twitter was also flooded with messages of sympathy from ice hockey fans and from other clubs.
Mr Dutiaume is understood to be grieving with family, including Kelly’s father Jim. It is understood Kelly was pre-deceased by her mother.
The Fife Flyers, established in 1938, are the oldest UK ice hockey team.