Saginaw Spirit confirm the passing of Terry Trafford

UPDATE (Tuesday, 8:30 p.m.) – The Saginaw Spirit have released a statement confirming the passing of Terry Trafford. From their official website:

“It is with very heavy hearts that we announce that late this afternoon we were informed by the Michigan State Police that the body of Terry Trafford has been found.

Our deepest condolences are with Terry’s family and his friends both in Ontario and Michigan.  Terry played on our team and was a member of the Spirit family for the last four years and he will be missed.

We have reached out to Terry’s parents and will look to provide them with support over the coming days.  In addition, we met with team players and staff this evening, along with our Team Chaplain.

On behalf of the Spirit we would like to thank the police who were looking for Terry, the media for providing updates and all who provided information.  The coming days will be difficult and we will endeavor to keep the community and media apprised of arrangements and other details.”

And a statement from OHL commissioner David Branch:

On behalf of the Ontario Hockey League, our teams, players and staff I want to express our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Terry Trafford.  This is a tragic situation for all involved.

We will work closely with the Saginaw Spirit to provide any support required to the players and staff during this very difficult time.  In addition, all of our teams will be offering support to their players.

I would like to thank investigators in both Ontario and Michigan, the media for informing the public and for all who provided information.  We will cooperate fully with any investigations.

 

UPDATE (Tuesday, 7 p.m.) – According to Global News (Toronto) reporter Cindy Pom, Terry Trafford’s father, Roy, has told the T.V. station that his son’s body has been found half an hour ago.

UPDATE (Tuesday, 6 p.m.) – Yahoo junior hockey reporter Sunaya Sapurji is reporting that a car that matches the description of Terry Trafford’s car has been found in Saginaw Township, with a body that has yet to be identified inside.

By Michael Caples – 

The Saginaw Spirit’s Terry Trafford has been missing since last Monday, and the OHL club is urging people to help locate him.

Trafford, a Toronto native, was last seen by his OHL team on Monday, March 3.

“The Saginaw Spirit Franchise and the entire Great Lakes Bay Region are very concerned of the whereabouts of Saginaw Spirit hockey player Terry Trafford,” the organization said in an official statement. “Terry was last seen Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. We currently have no further comment until the professionals searching for him complete their work. The entire Spirit organization is very concerned for the young man and we hope and pray that he is safe and found soon.”

If anyone has any information on Trafford’s whereabouts, please contact either Saginaw police or Toronto police, as both his hometown and current town are actively searching for him.

Trafford’s parents were interviewed by Sportsnet – see the interview here: