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Boogaard's death ruled accidental

MINNEAPOLIS, May 20 (UPI) -- The Hennepin County (Minn.) Medical Examiner ruled Friday the death of NHL player Derek Boogaard was caused by a mix of alcohol and the pain killer oxycodone.

Boogaard's death was ruled an accident and the medical examiner's office said no further information would be released. He was found dead May 13 in his Minneapolis apartment.

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Boogaard, 28, played last season with the New York Rangers after spending the first five years of his career with Minnesota.

Boogaard's family issued a statement Friday thanking those who had supported him during his time in the NHL.

"While he played and lived with pain for many years, his passion for the game, his teammates, and his community work was unstoppable," the statement said. "Our family would like to like to thank the New York Rangers, the Minnesota Wild, the National Hockey League Players' Association, and the National Hockey League for supporting Derek."

In 277 career games, Boogaard had only three goals and 16 points with 589 penalty minutes.

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