The Day Almost Killed Two Gretzkys: A Harrowing Tale of Tragedy and Resilience

The Day I (Almost) Killed Two Gretzkys: ...And Other Off-the-Wall Stories About Sports...and Life

by Curt Lader

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	870 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages

FREE

On June 13, 1984, the hockey world was rocked by a tragic accident that nearly claimed the lives of two of its greatest players: Wayne Gretzky and his father, Walter. The Gretzkys were flying home from a charity golf tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, when their plane crashed shortly after takeoff.

The plane, a small Cessna Citation, was carrying six people: Wayne Gretzky, Walter Gretzky, Wayne's agent, Gus Badali, Badali's wife, and two pilots. The plane crashed into a wooded area near the airport, killing both pilots and Badali's wife. Wayne and Walter Gretzky were seriously injured, but they were able to escape the wreckage and survive.

The Gretzky family was devastated by the accident, but they were also grateful that Wayne and Walter had survived. The accident had a profound impact on Wayne Gretzky's life and career, and it also served as a reminder of the fragility of life.

The Accident

The Cessna Citation took off from the Sault Ste. Marie Airport at approximately 5:30 pm on June 13, 1984. The plane was headed for Toronto, where the Gretzkys were scheduled to catch a flight to Edmonton.

Shortly after takeoff, the plane began to experience problems. One of the engines failed, and the plane lost power. The pilots attempted to turn the plane around and head back to the airport, but they were unable to regain control. The plane crashed into a wooded area near the airport, killing both pilots and Badali's wife.

Wayne and Walter Gretzky were seriously injured in the crash. Wayne suffered a broken collarbone, a concussion, and a lacerated liver. Walter suffered a broken leg, a broken arm, and a concussion.

Wayne and Walter Gretzky were able to escape the wreckage and survive. They were taken to the hospital, where they were treated for their injuries.

The Gretzky family was devastated by the accident. They were grateful that Wayne and Walter had survived, but they were also grieving the loss of their loved ones.

The Impact of the Accident

The accident had a profound impact on Wayne Gretzky's life and career. He was forced to miss the first few months of the 1984-85 season while he recovered from his injuries.

When Gretzky returned to the ice, he was not the same player. He was still a great player, but he was no longer the dominant force he had been before the accident.

The accident also had a lasting impact on Gretzky's family. Walter Gretzky was never able to fully recover from his injuries, and he eventually retired from coaching. Wayne Gretzky's mother, Phyllis, was also deeply affected by the accident. She became more protective of Wayne, and she often worried about his safety.

The Gretzky family has never forgotten the accident. They are grateful that Wayne and Walter survived, but they also remember the loved ones they lost.

The accident on June 13, 1984, was a tragedy that nearly claimed the lives of two of hockey's greatest players. The accident had a profound impact on the Gretzky family and the hockey world.

The accident is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. It is also a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience.

The Day I (Almost) Killed Two Gretzkys: ...And Other Off-the-Wall Stories About Sports...and Life

by Curt Lader

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	870 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages

FREE