Former St. Louis Blues player Bob Plager waves to fans while speaking during a ceremony to retire his number before an NHL hockey game between the Blues and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
[Updated on March 26 with new details from the St. Louis Medical Examiner’s officer about Plager’s cause of death]
ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) — Legendary member of the St. Louis Blues Bobby Plager died Wednesday after being involved in a car accident on Interstate 64.
Remembering No. 5: Bobby Plager was the humble titan of St. Louis Blues hockey
The accident happened along eastbound Interstate 64 near Vandeventer. According to St. Louis police, Plager’s Cadillac SRX veered to the left and hit a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. Plager’s SUV then hit a concrete wall on the right and then crossed all lanes of the interstate and hit the concrete center median. Plager was rushed to a hospital, where he died. A woman in the other vehicle was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
‘Unbelievable;’ Bobby Plager describes the Blues Stanley Cup parade, celebration
The St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Officer said Dr. Michael Graham was still awaiting additional tests but that Plager’s cause of death is believed to be related to a cardiac event. Other details were not released.
Friday morning, the St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Officer said Dr. Michael Graham was still awaiting additional tests but that Plager’s cause of death is believed to be related to a cardiac event. Other details were not released.
The Blues confirmed Plager’s death, saying in a statement, “today, our hearts are broken, but one day they will be warmed again by memories of his character, humor and strong love for his family, our community, the St. Louis Blues and generations of fans who will miss him dearly.”
Former St. Louis Blues player, head coach Bob Plager takes Stanley Cup to brother’s gravesite
“Our thoughts and prayers go to Bobby Jr, Melissa, and the entire Plager family,” Doug Armstrong said. “As Bobby would fondly say, he’s number five in your program, but number one in your hearts. That holds true today, and forever as Bobby truly is the St. Louis Blues.”
Doug Armstrong shared a statement on the passing of Bobby Plager. https://t.co/eFVcQygsQS #stlblues pic.twitter.com/VAB4Uggipc
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 24, 2021
Plager, who was 78, spent more than 50 years as part of the St. Louis Blues organization. He began his career in the NHL in 1964, playing 14 professional seasons as a defenseman. He joined the Blues when the franchise began in 1967. During that time he played with his brothers Barclay and Billy, and the trio helped lead the Blues to the Stanley Cup finals in three consecutive seasons. Barclay died in 1988, and Bill died in 2016.
After retiring in 1978, Plager joined the Blues front office, and is often said to have developed advanced scouting techniques for the franchise. In 1990, he coached a Blues affiliate to a minor league championship and won coach of the year, and was named as the Blues’ head coach in 1992. He resigned after just 11 games, choosing instead to return to his role of vice president of player development. The Blues retired Plager’s jersey in 2017.
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ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 5: Bobby Orr #4 of the Boston Bruins is tripped by Bob Plager #5 of the St. Louis Blues as Orr’s teammates goalie Gerry Cheevers #30 and Don Awrey #26 look on during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on May 5, 1970 at the St. Louis Arena in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)

ST LOUIS, MO – JUN 15: Former St. Louis Blues player Bobby Plager as seen during the St. Louis Blues victory parade held on June 15, 2019, in downtown, St. Louis, Mo. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

ST. LOUIS, MO – FEBRUARY 28: Barret Jackman #5 of the St. Louis Blues is joined by former Blues defensemen Al MacInnis, Helen Plager, wife of former Blues great Barclay Plager, Bobby Plager, Chris Pronger and Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks before an NHL game on February 28, 2013 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The ceremonial puck drop is to commemorate Jackman becoming the team leader in games played by a defensemen with 616 games.(Photo by Mark Buckner/NHLI via Getty Images)

ST. LOUIS, MO – JUNE 15: St. Louis Blues’ Bobby Plager, right center, hoists the Stanley Cup in front of fans during the St. Louis Blues Victory Pep Rally on June 15, 2019, in Downtown St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Don Awrey (26) of St. Louis Blues, Barclay Plager (5) of St. Louis Blues, and goalie Bernie Parent (1) of Philadelphia Flyers team up to keep puck away from Dallas Smith (20) of Boston Bruins during NHL All-Star Game on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 1974 at Chicago. Awrey, Plager and Parent represent West All-Stars, Smith represents East All-Stars. (AP Photo/Larry Stoddard)

Former St. Louis Blues player Bob Plager waves to fans while speaking during a ceremony to retire his number before an NHL hockey game between the Blues and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

ST. LOUIS, MO – APRIL 25: St. Louis Blues Alumni Bobby Plager acknowledges fans attending a pre game rally before Game Five of the First Round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scottrade Center on April 25, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Mark Buckner/NHLI via Getty Images)

ST. LOUIS, MO – JUNE 15: St. Louis Blues’ Bobby Plager is seen cheering during the St. Louis Blues Victory Parade on June 15, 2019, in Downtown St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

ST. LOUIS, MO – FEBRUARY 2: Bob Plager speaks during Plager’s number retirement ceremony prior to a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues on February 2, 2017 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/NHLI via Getty Images)

ST. LOUIS, MO – JUNE 15: St. Louis Blues alumni Bob Plager greets fans during the St Louis Blues Victory Parade and Rally after winning the 2019 Stanley Cup Final on June 15, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Rovak/NHLI via Getty Images)
Reaction came from all over on Wednesday as the news of Plager’s passing spread.
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Fans young and old remember Blues legend Bobby Plager
Current Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko gave his condolences to the Plager family.
Rest In Peace Bobby. Thank you for always being nice to me and my family. Our condolences to the Plager family. pic.twitter.com/bQqMlaGsPp
— Vladimir Tarasenko (@tara9191) March 25, 2021
Former Blue Pat Maroon said “R.I.P Bobby. You were always smiling and always had a great story to tell. The St. Louis Blues family will miss having you around #5. My thoughts and prayers are with Bobby and his family during this difficult time.”
R.I.P Bobby 💔 you were always smiling and always had a great story to tell. The @StLouisBlues family will miss having you around #5. My thoughts and prayers are with Bobby and his family during this difficult time. #BobbyPlager
— Pat Maroon (@patmaroon) March 24, 2021
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson thanked Plager for “years of memories on and off the ice.”
A sad day for St. Louis as we mourn the passing of a true hockey legend. I join thousands of fans in sending my condolences to the family and friends of the great Bobby Plager and the entire @StLouisBlues organization.Thank you Bobby for years of memories on and off the ice. #5
— Mayor Lyda Krewson (@LydaKrewson) March 24, 2021
Former Blue Cam Janssen Tweeted simply, “We all love you Bobby,”
We all love you Bobby … ❤️@StLouisBlues
— Cam Janssen (@CamJanssen25) March 24, 2021
The Cardinals said their hearts are with the Plager family.
We loved Bobby and felt his love for St. Louis.Our hearts are with the Plager family, the Blues, and all who loved Bobby. pic.twitter.com/Ja6yjZz61S
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) March 24, 2021
The account of the late Laura Branigan, whose song “Gloria” became the official anthem of the Blues’ historic Stanley Cup Championship run in 2018-2019, also expressed sympathy.
So sorry about the passing of St. Louis Blues legend, Mr. Bobby Plager. What a great man, & I’m so glad he got to hoist the Cup in 2019 & to have his parade down Market St. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, Blues fans, & Blues organization. ~Kathy Golik, Legacy Manager https://t.co/UB8LJu4PCv
— Laura Branigan (@laurabranigan) March 24, 2021
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