Former Red Wing Shawn Burr dead at 47

Former Detroit Red Wing Shawn Burr died Monday night at age 47, following a fall down the stairs. He was removed from life support late Monday night after suffering massive brain trauma.

Burr had been battling acute myeloid leukemia since 2011. He beat the cancer after a bone marrow transplant, and started the Shawn Burr Foundation to support blood cancer research.

In 1984, Burr was selected seventh overall and went on to play his first 11 seasons in Detroit. In the 1989-90 season he had 24 goals and 32 assists -- both career highs.

The easy talker quickly became a media and fan favorite. "He was the guy in the '90s who kept everybody else relaxed. He did the dirty work for the team on the ice and then kept the guys relaxed in the dressing room," said former Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood.

"He was a funny guy, a nonstop talker, always had a trick to play," Osgood said. "My first game as a rookie, he put my name upside down on my jersey."

He was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning just before the championship came to Detroit, and then finished out his 16-year hockey career in San Jose with the Sharks.