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All-Star right wing Dany Heatley expressed sadness and sorrow Tuesday in his first statement since the September 29 car accident that claimed the life of Atlanta Thrashers' teammate Dan Snyder.
Recovering from knee and jaw injuries and facing a charge of vehicular homicide, Heatley released a three-paragraph statement through the team.
"I am deeply
saddened and very sorry over the loss of my close friend and teammate, Dan Snyder,"
said Heatley, who attended Snyder's funeral on crutches on Friday in Elmira,
Ontario.
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"The accident has taken a huge emotional toll on me and, of course, my
family as well. At this time, my focus is on the Snyder family and my rehabilitation
from injuries that I sustained in the accident. I would like to thank everyone
who has shown support during this difficult time, especially my family, teammates,
friends and the Thrashers' organization."
Heatley, 22, also said he plans to meet with the media "very soon" to discuss his medical condition and hockey-related issues.
"I am working hard with my rehabilitation and will return to the ice as soon as is medically possible," he continued.
According to police, Snyder was a passenger in a Ferrari driven by Heatley that was traveling in excess of 80 miles per hour when it struck a pillar on a twisting road in Atlanta's buckhead section.
Snyder was thrown from the vehicle and suffered massive head injuries. He underwent surgery but never regained consciousness and died on October 5.
Heatley's family also released a statement Tuesday, thanking the Snyder family for its "incredible support and love they have shown us." NFL Tickets
"We all feel so terrible about this accident," the Heatley family stated. "They are remarkable human beings and will remain in our hearts all of our lives. In their time of sorrow, they have shown us so much compassion and given us strength."
"Dan and Dany were very good friends and no one meant for this to happen. We are so saddened by this loss of a young life. We shall never forget Dan Snyder and he will be in our hearts forever."