Tests reveal former Bruins enforcer Lyndon Byers had CTE at time of his death

Former Boston Bruins enforcer Lyndon Byers, who died last July at age 61, was diagnosed posthumously with Stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after donating his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center. His family authorized the release of the findings to raise awareness about the disease’s impact on athletes in contact sports. Byers, a nine-season Bruins player known for his physical play, ranked 11th in franchise history with 959 penalty minutes. His widow, Anne Byers, described his late-career personality shift, including severe depression, hallucinations, and memory loss that made daily life difficult. Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, stated that individuals with Stage 3 CTE often experience cognitive symptoms, with 50% developing dementia. The diagnosis aligns with research showing 19 of 20 former NHL players studied at the center had CTE, including Bobby Hull, Ralph Backstrom, and Derek Boogaard. Byers’ widow called for stronger NHL protections, urging athletes to make informed decisions about their health. The family’s donation contributes to ongoing research aimed at diagnosing CTE during life and developing treatments. The Concussion & CTE Foundation noted the findings highlight the need for better safety measures in professional hockey. Byers’ case adds to growing evidence linking repeated head trauma to long-term brain damage in athletes.