Brighton: Team GB ice hockey Mike Hammond dies in Porsche crash

Tributes have poured in for Brighton-born ice hockey forward Mike Hammond who was found dead at the scene in Shawnigan, Canada, on Wednesday morning.

The Argus understands the 33-year-old was driving a black Porsche Boxster when it veered off the road and struck a tree, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The stretch of road where Mike was found dead (Image: Google)

The Nottingham Panthers player was living in Langford near Victoria in British Columbia.

He was born in Brighton in 1990 and moved to Canada with his family as a child and began playing hockey in British Columbia.

He returned to the UK in 2016 and made his Team GB debut in 2018 after completing two seasons in the Elite League.

Mike made his international debut in 2018 and helped Team GB win the gold medal at the World Championship Division 1 Group A in Hungary.

The Panthers released a statement to fans yesterday after the incident on Vancouver Island.

The Nottingham Panthers are devastated to report that forward Mike Hammond has passed away.

Hammond, who played for the club last season, died last night in a car accident in Shawnigan in Canada.

The Panthers would like to send our thoughts to Mike's family and friends at this very difficult time.

Our thoughts too are with all his former team-mates and everyone at the club is thinking of Hammy and his family right now.

Rest in peace Mike - you will never be forgotten.

Mike, known by many as Hammy, also played for Coventry Blaze, Manchester Storm, Braehead Clan and Nottingham Panthers in the Elite League as well as stints in Germany, Denmark and Canada.

Ice Hockey UK said: “Great Britain ice hockey are devastated to announce that forward Mike Hammond has passed away.

“Hammond died last night in a car accident in Shawnigan in North America.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Mike’s family, friends and team-mates at this very difficult time.”

The International Ice Hockey Federation added: "As well as his productive contributions on the ice, be it for his country or for the clubs he represented in Britain, Hammond was also known as a great ambassador for the game.

"As Thursday’s sad news broke, many recalled how he was willing to make time to speak with fans after games. He was also a popular figure with the media, ever obliging in the mixed zone and an enthusiastic advocate for his team-mates.

Mike was understood to be with friends in the area at the time of the incident.

Gary Nunn, a player for EHC Olten in Switzerland, was with him the day before the crash. He posted on instagram to say: "Words can not describe how much you will be missed Mikey.

"I am so lucky to have shared such a great day at the lake with you yesterday trading laughs and stories. Rest in peace my brother."

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are continuing to investigate the collision.

A spokesman said: "On July 19, 2023, just before 5.30 am, Shawnigan Lake RCMP received a report of a single vehicle crash on Shawnigan Lake Road near Baden Powell Road in Shawnigan Lake.

"Early evidence collected at the scene indicated that the vehicle, a black Porsche Boxster, appeared to have gone off the road and struck a tree.

"The driver, a 33-year-old man of Langford, was found deceased at the scene."