Kristen Hayes Opens Up About Celebrating First Christmas 4 Months After the Death of Her Husband Hockey Star Jimmy Hayes

Four months ago, Jimmy Hayes passed away following a battle with addiction. As At the Buzzer previously reported, the Boston Globe reported that Jimmy Hayes died with fentanyl and cocaine in his system.

As his wife, Kristen Hayes admitted, her husband’s cause of death took her by surprise. “I was completely shocked,’’ Kristen told The Boston Globe after learning about the toxicology results on Friday. 

RELATED: Kristen Hayes Issues Another Statement Following the Reveal of Her Husband Jimmy Hayes’ Cause of Death

“I was so certain that it had nothing to do with drugs. I really thought it was a heart attack or anything that wasn’t that [drugs] . . . It didn’t make any sense, so it was hard. I was hoping to get a different phone call when they called. I was hoping to get some clarity and I was shocked to hear that it was that . . . He never showed any signs of a struggle at home.’’

Prior to his untimely passing, Jimmy Hayes was a retired member of the Boston Bruins who was finding success with his podcast and was beloved by his family and other community members. In addition to leaving his wife behind, Jimmy was also the father of two young boys.

Now, Kristen is opening up about celebrating their first Christmas since the death of their beloved husband and father. In a series of videos and photos captured on Christmas morning, Kristen’s strength shined bright as she managed to keep the morning magical for her little ones despite all they endured over the last four months.

While their youngest son Mac is still too young to fully grasp the magic of Christmas, their oldest Beau was “overwhelmed in the best way” as he woke up to troves of presents under the tree. He played with his toys and wore a big smile before Kristen dressed their boys in coats to make sure Jimmy was still included in the holiday.

Kristen and her boys visited Jimmy Hayes’s final resting place shortly after opening presents.

In the weeks leading up to the holiday, Kristen remained open and honest about how she was feeling. She admitted she nearly didn’t decorate the tree but had to when Beau saw all the ornaments. 

“Didn’t go for pretty or do half the ornaments we have this year, but it feels complete. Miss you dada so much,” Kristen admitted.

Sadly, Kristen contracted COVID-19 just days before Christmas and the family had to celebrate on December 26! Nonetheless, Beau and Mac didn’t know the difference, and Kristen was able to carry on a series of traditions, including the stair picture they took last year while she was still pregnant with Mac.

Grief comes in so many forms and as Kristen’s story shows, the Holidays can hold so many different emotions for so many people. You just never know what someone is going through. Our thoughts are with Kristen, her boys, and the rest of the Hayes family as they continue to navigate through this difficult time.