Tuesday, November 11, marks 40 years since the death of Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Pelle Lindbergh, who died in a car crash at age 26. In a new documentary, one of the surviving passengers speaks out.
Stockholm-born Pelle Lindbergh was drafted 35th overall in the second round by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1979 and quickly became a fan favorite as he established himself as one of the league’s elite goaltenders. In the 1984–1985 season, Lindbergh led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final, where they fell to the Edmonton Oilers, losing the series 4–1.
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Won the Vezina Trophy
After the season, Lindbergh was a Hart Trophy finalist and won the Vezina Trophy. He recorded a league-leading 40 wins and posted the highest save percentage in the NHL at .899. At just 26 years old, Lindbergh had become a true superstar. But on November 10, 1985, he was fatally injured in a car accident.
Pelle Lindbergh death
Following their tenth straight win, the Flyers celebrated at a bar in New Jersey. In the early morning hours, Lindbergh decided to drive home with Ed Parvin and Kathy McNeal. At 5:41 a.m., Lindbergh lost control of the car and struck a wall. He was declared dead on November 11. Parvin and McNeal were severely injured.
The Swede of Philadelphia
In a new documentary, The Swede of Philadelphia, Kathy McNeal speaks publicly for the first time. She does not recall Lindbergh being intoxicated and says she felt safe getting into the car with him. It was later concluded that Lindbergh was well above the legal blood alcohol limit.
“Pelle, I don’t blame you, I never blamed you. I wish I could take that day back. I miss you, and so many people you’ve touched miss you,” she says in the documentary.
Pelle Lindbergh’s number 31 was never officially retired by the Flyers, but no player has worn it since. He is buried in Skogskyrkogården in southern Stockholm.
You can watch the interview below.
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