Teammates Keep Memory of 'Miracle on Ice' Star Mark Pavelich Alive

Pavelich's death by suicide in 2021 linked to mental health struggles and traumatic brain injuries from hockey

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Five years after the death of Mark Pavelich, a key member of the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' U.S. Olympic hockey team, his teammates are working to honor his memory and raise awareness about mental health and traumatic brain injuries in sports. Pavelich struggled with mental illness in his later years, and his death by suicide was linked to a mild neurocognitive disorder likely caused by repeated head injuries from hockey. His teammates have rallied around The Ranch, a mental wellness facility Pavelich helped establish, to support athletes, veterans, and first responders dealing with PTSD, substance abuse, and brain trauma.

Why it matters

Pavelich's story highlights the long-term mental health challenges many athletes face due to the physical toll of their sports, especially concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. His teammates' efforts to honor his memory and support The Ranch aim to destigmatize these issues and provide resources for those struggling, helping to prevent similar tragedies.

The details

After the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' victory, Pavelich went on to play in the NHL with the New York Rangers. In his later years, he grappled with mental illness, including a 2019 assault charge that led to a diagnosis of a mild neurocognitive disorder from traumatic brain injury. With help from former teammates, Pavelich found support at the Eagle's Healing Nest, a mental wellness facility for veterans, where he helped establish The Ranch to assist athletes, veterans, and first responders dealing with PTSD, substance abuse, and brain trauma. Tragically, Pavelich died by suicide in 2021, but his teammates have continued his legacy by raising funds and awareness for The Ranch.

  • Pavelich assisted on the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.
  • In 2019, Pavelich was charged with a felony for assaulting a neighbor he thought had spiked his beer.
  • Pavelich died by suicide on March 4, 2021.
  • In October 2026, a 'Do You Still Believe in Miracles' Gala in New York raised $1 million for The Ranch, the mental wellness facility Pavelich helped establish.

The players

Mark Pavelich

A skilled forward who played a key role in the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' U.S. Olympic hockey team victory, Pavelich later struggled with mental illness and traumatic brain injury, and died by suicide in 2021.

Mike Eruzione

The captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, who scored the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union.

Neal Broten

A member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team who was a close friend and teammate of Pavelich.

Ronn Tomassoni

A lifelong friend of Pavelich who believes his mental illness and death were linked to the number of hits he took and personal trauma in his life.

Mel Butler

The founder of the Eagle's Healing Nest, the mental wellness facility that welcomed Pavelich and helped inspire The Ranch.

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What they’re saying

“I'm convinced it happened because of the number of hits he took, and also he had some real personal trauma in his life. It all caught up to him at the end.”

— Ronn Tomassoni, Lifelong friend of Mark Pavelich (921wvtk.com)

“He sounded fine. Everything was great. I thought he was very comfortable and in a great spot, in a great place. But when you have that kind of illness or sickness, you never know. And I don't think anybody knew.”

— Mike Eruzione, Captain of 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team (921wvtk.com)

“He's part of our family. It's really important to know that we all struggle. I don't want to get hugely philosophical, but life is hard and things like this bring it to the forefront.”

— Rob McClanahan, Teammate of Mark Pavelich on the New York Rangers (921wvtk.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.