The hockey world is mourning alongside former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen after the heartbreaking death of his wife, Hannah Larsen, following a long battle with cancer. The tragic news has led to an outpouring of sympathy from across the NHL, with coaches, teams, and fans sending messages of support to Larsen and his two children, Faith and Ty.
The news became public on March 12, 2026, when former Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella revealed the passing of Hannah Larsen during an appearance as an ESPN studio analyst. Tortorella shared condolences for his former assistant coach and his family, and the message quickly spread throughout the hockey community.
Soon after, the Columbus Blue Jackets organization issued a public statement expressing its “deepest condolences” and offering warm thoughts to Larsen and his family. The response from the team reflected the long relationship Larsen built during nearly a decade working within the organization.
A heartbreaking loss for the Larsen family
Hannah Larsen’s death marks an incredibly difficult moment for Brad Larsen and their children. The family has lived primarily in the Columbus, Ohio area and has largely stayed away from the public spotlight despite Larsen’s high-profile role in professional hockey.
Faith Larsen is the couple’s elder child, while Ty Larsen is their younger son. Those close to the family often describe the Larsens as a tight-knit family that prioritized their personal lives despite the demanding schedule of NHL coaching.
Although Hannah Larsen maintained a private life away from media attention, she played a critical role in supporting Brad Larsen during major challenges throughout his life and career.
Hannah supported Brad through his own cancer battles
One of the most emotional aspects of the story is the role Hannah Larsen played when Brad Larsen faced his own health struggles. Larsen battled cancer twice during his life, and Hannah stood beside him throughout those difficult periods.
Friends and colleagues have often described her as a source of strength for the family. Her encouragement helped Larsen navigate the physical and emotional toll of serious illness while continuing to pursue his coaching career.
For many in the hockey world, that context makes the loss even more painful, as the family had already faced significant medical challenges over the years.
The hockey community sends condolences
After news of Hannah Larsen’s passing spread, tributes quickly began appearing across social media and within hockey circles.
Former Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent, who worked closely with Larsen during their time together in Columbus, shared a heartfelt message expressing sadness over the loss. Vincent, now serving as head coach of the Laval Rocket — the Montreal Canadiens’ American Hockey League affiliate — said his heart was broken for Larsen, his children, and Hannah’s extended family.
Messages of sympathy from fans and members of the hockey media soon followed, highlighting the respect Larsen has earned throughout his career.
Brad Larsen’s coaching career
Brad Larsen built a respected career in professional hockey both as a player and as a coach. Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Larsen played junior hockey before eventually entering professional leagues.
After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and gradually worked his way through the ranks.
Larsen began working with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization in several coaching roles. He spent time coaching the team’s American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he served as both an assistant coach and head coach.
In the 2014–15 NHL season, Larsen joined the Blue Jackets’ coaching staff under head coach Todd Richards. When John Tortorella later took over as head coach, Larsen remained on the staff and continued working with the team for several seasons.
Eventually, Larsen was promoted to head coach of the Blue Jackets after Tortorella and the team parted ways. The opportunity placed him among a small group of individuals trusted to lead an NHL franchise.
However, Larsen’s tenure as head coach proved challenging. Injuries and roster instability contributed to difficult seasons, and the organization decided to move in a different direction at the end of the 2022–23 season.
Time away from hockey to focus on family
After leaving the Blue Jackets, Larsen remained in the Columbus area and spent time focusing on family life. During that period, he also helped coach his son Ty’s youth hockey team.
In June 2024, Larsen returned to the NHL when he was hired as an assistant coach by the Calgary Flames, marking a new chapter in his professional career.
However, his time with the Flames was interrupted later that year. On December 8, 2024, Larsen took an indefinite leave of absence from the team to return home and care for Hannah as her health condition worsened.
The decision demonstrated Larsen’s commitment to putting family ahead of professional responsibilities during a critical time.
The Larsen family has faced previous hardships
The Larsen family has endured other painful challenges in the past. In 2019, their son Ty suffered a serious accident when he was kicked in the head by a horse on the family’s farm.
The incident resulted in a broken jaw that required surgery, but Ty eventually recovered following treatment.
Combined with Brad Larsen’s own battles with cancer and Hannah’s illness, the family’s story has been marked by resilience through difficult circumstances.
Remembering Hannah Larsen
Although Hannah Larsen stayed away from public attention, those who knew her describe her as a devoted mother and supportive partner who played a vital role in Brad Larsen’s life.
Her passing leaves a profound void for the Larsen family and for the many people who have come to know and respect them throughout the hockey community.
The focus now remains on supporting Brad Larsen and his children as they navigate this difficult time.
Fans seeking official team updates and messages of support can visit the Columbus Blue Jackets official website or follow news from the Calgary Flames organization.
For many across the NHL, this moment is a reminder that behind the world of professional sports are real families facing real struggles. As Brad Larsen and his children mourn the loss of Hannah, the hockey community continues to stand beside them with messages of compassion and support.
