Tampa Bay Lightning make heartbreaking announcement

"Jon Cooper taking in morning skate with six-year-old Tripp Nugent, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in late September. He'll be the #Bolts honorary captain tonight. Cooper had dinner last night with the whole Nugent family, who are Lightning season ticket holders 💙"

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of our buddy, Tripp "Trippy" Nugent. He signed a one-day contract with us in 2022 and quickly became part of the team with his energy and love for hockey. Bolts Nation will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time.

Tripp "Trippy" Nugent
2016-2024

"For him not to be around us anymore, it's gut-wrenching. It's heartbreaking. I can see him like he's right here. When he left us, he was wearing a Stammer shirt listening to Thunderstruck, if that doesn't say it all. What a magnificent little boy he was. The heart's a little weaker today for sure."