Beloved Nashville Predators coach and Parkinson's advocate, passes away at 68
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Brent Peterson, longtime Predators assistant coach and Parkinson's advocate, has died at 68, the team announced Friday.
Nashville Predators icon Brent Peterson has died at the age of 68, the team confirmed Friday morning in an emotional statement.
"It is with very heavy hearts that we announce today the passing of our friend, our co-worker and our forever Nashville Predators family member, Brent Peterson. Brent was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2002 and not only personally battled the disease but started the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson's in 2009 to support and enhance lives of people with Parkinson's, their caregivers and families.
True to Brent's nature, he thought of others before himself up until his passing this morning. Brent loved a good laugh and lived with Parkinson's for 23 years, facing every day with a smile and a joke, no matter what his battle brought to him that day.
In addition to serving as a beacon to so many involved in the fight against Parkinson's, Brent served as an inspiration to hundreds of Predators players, coaches, and staff members for nearly 30 years, first joining the organization as an assistant coach in 1998.
Please join us with love and prayers of support for Brent's wife, Tami, along with his son Brad, daughter Kristin, extended family and the many others who knew and loved Brent. He will always hold a special place in the hearts of our Predators family and all who knew him across hockey and beyond."
- Nashville Predators
True to Brent's nature, he thought of others before himself up until his passing this morning. Brent loved a good laugh and lived with Parkinson's for 23 years, facing every day with a smile and a joke, no matter what his battle brought to him that day.
In addition to serving as a beacon to so many involved in the fight against Parkinson's, Brent served as an inspiration to hundreds of Predators players, coaches, and staff members for nearly 30 years, first joining the organization as an assistant coach in 1998.
Please join us with love and prayers of support for Brent's wife, Tami, along with his son Brad, daughter Kristin, extended family and the many others who knew and loved Brent. He will always hold a special place in the hearts of our Predators family and all who knew him across hockey and beyond."
- Nashville Predators
Peterson spent nearly three decades tied to the organization, first stepping behind the bench as an assistant coach in 1998 under founding head coach Barry Trotz, a role he held until 2011.
What made Peterson's story resonate across the hockey world was what he carried privately for years.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2002 but kept the news out of the public eye while continuing to coach.
A private battle became public inspiration
Eventually going public with his diagnosis, Peterson turned his fight into a mission.
In 2009 he and his wife Tami started the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson's, an organization built to support patients, caregivers and families dealing with the disease.
He became known simply as Petey to generations of Predators players, coaches and staff who leaned on his humor and positivity, even as he battled the illness for 23 years.
Petey's legacy stretches far beyond the rink
The Predators organization credited Peterson with serving as an inspiration to hundreds of people connected to the franchise since he arrived in 1998.
Beyond his coaching duties, he became a fixture in the Nashville community through his foundation work and his willingness to speak openly about living with Parkinson's.
Peterson is survived by his wife Tami, son Brad and daughter Kristin, along with extended family and countless friends across the hockey world.
The Predators say his impact will be felt for years to come, both in Nashville and in the broader fight against Parkinson's disease.
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2 HOURS AGO|7 ANSWERS Beloved Nashville Predators coach and Parkinson's advocate, passes away at 68 Rest in peace Brent | ||