Penguins assistant GM Jason Spezza announces death of younger brother Matthew ‘due to an accidental overdose’

Former Toronto Maple Leafs player Jason Spezza reveals the death of brother Matthew on the weekend due to an accidental overdose.

Penguins assistant GM Jason Spezza announces death of younger brother Matthew ‘due to an accidental overdose’

Matthew and Jason Spezza [Image Credit: Instagram/The Athletic]

Pittsburgh Penguins assistant GM and former Toronto Maple Leafs player Jason Spezza took to social media on Monday to announce the death of younger brother Matthew. The cause of his death was reported to be an “accidental overdose”. Apart from his “heartbroken” statement on the Pens X account, no details were further provided.

The tragic incident took place over the weekend as per the brief statement. Matthew, 37, was a goaltender in various leagues including OHL and IHL. He had yet to get a call from the NHL but was often seen accompanying his brother to games and events.

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His social media account on Instagram showcases several heartwarming pictures of his family as fans mourn the death of the goalie. The thoughts and prayers are with the Spezza family as they withstand heart-wrenching times. Jason Spezza on X, noted,

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On behalf of my family, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I share that my younger brother, Matthew, passed away due to an accidental overdose over the weekend.
Jason Spezza on X.

Who is Jason Spezza’s brother Matthew Spezza?

Unlike Jason Spezza who spent his Maple Leafs days as a forward, Matthew chose to be a goalie. He played in the Quebec Major Hockey League with St. John’s Fog Devils. He was also part of the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) during the 2000s with the Ottawa 67s, Kingston Frontenacs, London Knights, and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Brothers Matthew and Jason Spezza [Image Credit: Instagram/Weirton Daily Times]
Brothers Matthew and Jason Spezza [Image Credit: Instagram/Weirton Daily Times]

Matthew Spezza’s life was warmly surrounded by his family, friends, and fans, and his social media serves as the best evidence of it. He called his father his idol and thanked him for always being there for him. He even uploaded a photo of his mom and him enjoying a date night.

Matthew came to the media spotlight in 2012 when he saved a woman from being threatened and sexually attacked at night after drinking. He testified in court that he and his friend Ryan O’Connor stopped to help the woman when they stumbled upon her situation.

When asked why he stopped to help by prosecutor Fara Rupert, Matthew said it was all because of “The way I’m raised”. He mentioned how his twin sister and mother are “an important person in my life” and he wants to make sure to help a girl who is in trouble and make sure “the situation is OK” as “I just hope someone would do that for someone in my life.”

Although Matthew, 37, died in a tragic case of “accidental overdose” he’ll forever be remembered by the hockey community. All prayers and wishes are for the family to stay strong despite hard times and hope for them to overcome their grief. 

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