Martin's death came as a shock to the Sabres, who were preparing for an afternoon game against the Ottawa Senators. The Sabres have memorialized the line by erecting a statue of the three players that stands in a plaza outside their arena. All Rights Reserved. Martin is survived by his wife Mikey and their two sons, Corey and Josh. 7. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. He was survived by his wife Mikey, who has since died on December 16, 2017, and his sons Cory, Josh, and Erick. Robert scored a career-high 40 goals twice during his seven-plus seasons in Buffalo. BUFFALO, N.Y. - Two weeks after being reunited on the ice in Buffalo, the Sabres' famed French Connection lost a member when Rick Martin died Sunday. After three years with the Montreal Junior Canadiens of the Ontario Hockey Association (1968 to 1971), he was selected as Buffalo's 1st choice. Richard Lionel Martin was born July 26, 1951, in Verdun, Quebec. His slap shot rivaled the hardest and most lethal in the game. This one is going to be tough for everybody in Buffalo. I personally had the opportunity to meet Rick Martin several years ago in Florida, where he was taking part in a hockey legends game against the retired New York Islanders Stanley Cup team. Former Sabres forward Richard Martin has died. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. He also would have easily attained the shoo-in induction numbers of 500 goals and 1,000 points. He set what was then the NHL rookie record by scoring 44 goals in 1971. Martin, who was left-handed, possessed a powerful and accurate slap shot and wrist shot. He added 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points in 63 career playoff games. Both Barber and Shutt are often thought of as the best players at their position during their careers, and overshadow Martin in most discussions but they werent more productive. Former Sabres forward Martin has died. Mar 13, 2011. The 59-year-old was pronounced dead at a . He is the Sabres career leader in hat tricks, scoring three or more goals in a game 21 times. Martin is the first non-enforcer to have been diagnosed with the disease, which can only be diagnosed posthumously.[17]. Martin also holds the Sabres record with 21 three-goal games. "He was a friend to us and to the entire organization and will be missed dearly.". Nigrelli said it appeared Martin had "an undetermined medical emergency" before the accident. Back in the 70's Weber was in Buffalo covering Martin's career. Martin died a month later. Still nagged by a knee that regularly filled with fluid, Martin still played four games with the Kings and in those four games, he scored two goals and four assists. More importantly, Martin quickly established himself as one of the premier goal scorers in the NHL in only his first year. Rick Martin was addicted to the high of scoring goals and never came down from it. From the blue line in, he was almost unstoppable.". [13] He was 59 years old. Martin reunited with the French Connection on the ice before a game at HSBC Arena here on Feb. 23 for a ceremony introducing the new Sabres owner, Terry Pegula, to Buffalo fans. "Rick Martin was a person of joy. The year prior, the sleek center, Perreault, had set the NHL record for goals in a season by a rookie with 38. It's a tough one to take.". "We lost a heck of a guy today," Sabres coach and Martin's former teammate Lindy Ruff said. He was traded to Los Angeles during the 1980-81 season, and only played four games for the Kings through the following season. Martin was remembered for his fun-loving personality off the ice, and for his intensity on it. Rick Martin, a member of the Buffalo Sabres' high-flying French Connection line in the 1970s, died after being involved in a one-car accident yesterday. Our experts predict every series, Liverpool rescue three points, chase top-four finish after surviving epic Spurs comeback, Jets' Aaron Rodgers expects a 'heaven' and 'hell' relationship with Zach Wilson, XFL semifinals: Defenders roll Sea Dragons, set up title showdown with Renegades, Song punishes Simon in one-sided TKO victory, Memphis wasn't 'fine in the West' -- getting there hinges on massive culture questions, Why the Lakers' real test begins now, after dispatching the No. A native of St. Catharines, Ontario, Jeanneret currently resides in Niagara Falls, Ontario, with his wife, Sandra. Clarence, NY member of the Sabres famous French Connection Line has died. Martin finished with 384 goals and 317 assists for 701 points in 685 career NHL games. He made an instant impact with an N.H.L. Two of Martins contemporaries on the left side who have received Hall of Fame induction are former Philadelphia Flyers great Bill Barber and Canadiens great Steve Shutt. BUFFALO Rick Martin, a member of the Buffalo Sabres celebrated French Connection, one of the most prolific scoring lines in the National Hockey League in the 1970s, died after he was involved in a car accident on Sunday near his home in Akron, N.Y. "Rico was a Buffalo Sabre from Day 1. He was 59. Midway through the third period of the Sabres' 2-0 home win on February 9, 1978, Dave Farrish of the New York Rangers hooked Martin around the neck from behind and kicked Martin's feet out from under him, causing Martin to hit his head on the ice. ). Martin would likely have played at least five more years in the NHL. It would have been a great tribute for him to have witnessed and taken part in his own induction. On the Buffalo Sabres not winning the Stanley Cup Martin said, We were only one or two players away. He came close in 1975 as Buffalo lost in the Finals to the Flyers. "Mikey" (nee Hale) December 16, 2017, of Akron, NY; cherished wife of the late Rick Martin; beloved mother of Joshua and Cory; loving sister of Terry Nigrelli said it appeared Martin had "an undetermined medical emergency" before the accident. "I think that was awesome," Ruff said. In 1975, the French Connection led the Sabres to the Stanley Cup finals, where they lost in six games to the Philadelphia Flyers. BUFFALO CELEBRATES THE LIFE OF RICHARD MARTIN by Rob Crean / Buffalo Sabres March 24, 2011 Laughter mixed with a few tears as 3,000 family members, friends, former teammates and fans of. Prior to the game, the Sabres honored Martin with a tribute on the center ice video scoreboard. Martin was selected fifth overall by the Sabres in the 1971 draft, and immediately made an impact on the team the following season when he scored what was then an NHL rookie record 44 goals. My friend found a signed Rick Martin sabres jersey on the rack in a Goodwill in Virginia. Martin was taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital where he was pronounced dead. You'll be missed 'Rico,' but you will be remembered.". Those 44 markers placed him sixth in the league, beating out established scorers such as Hall of Famers Frank Mahovlich, Johnny Bucyk, Stan Mikita and Rod Gilbert as well as other proven vets like Mickey Redmond, Dennis Hull and Bill Goldsworthy. [5], Martin underwent surgery in Toronto and on March 10, 1981, Scotty Bowman traded Martin and Don Luce to the Kings for a pair of draft picks, one of which the Sabres used to get goalie Tom Barrasso in 1983. In a game against the Washington Capitals at the Aud, Martin was racing in on a breakaway. Buffalo selected Martin fifth over all in the 1971 amateur draft. The trio is still revered in Buffalo, and at HSBC Arena, where their three banners hang together in a row from the facility's ceiling. Richard Lionel Martin (/mrtn/; French:[mat]; July 26, 1951 March 13, 2011) was a Canadian professional ice hockey winger who played in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings for 11 seasons between 1971 and 1982. He was traded to the then-Colorado Rockies in 1979 and closed his career with Toronto in 1981-82. No Sabres fan's wardrobe is complete without an authentic Rick Martin Jersey in it, that's why we bring you the best selection of Rick Martin Kids (Youth) Jerseys and Womens Jerseys from Reebok. Legendary Sabre Rick Martin died of heart attack WIVBTV 108K subscribers Subscribe 12 Share Save 4.6K views 12 years ago Legendary member of the French Connection, Rick Martin, leaves behind. It finished what became known as "The Fog Game," with a heavy mist shrouding the ice because of poor air-conditioning at Buffalo's Memorial Auditorium. "It's too bad. From the blue line in, he was almost unstoppable.". 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Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. He was 59. There is no doubt that Martin will be greatly missed by his family and those who admired him for his work on and off the ice. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. New York State Police Capt . hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, "Rick Martin, Part of Famed N.H.L. "I don't know what we're doing being so emotional when what he stands for is to have fun and laugh. 2 Grizzlies, Bayern back in charge, Yamal makes history, Napoli's party spoiled: Weekend Review, Man City go top of Premier League as Haaland scores 50th goal in win at Fulham, Man United end Villa's run, take step towards top-four finish against backdrop of fan protests, Legacy pick: Cardinals take great-great-nephew of team's first-ever draft pick, The story of the Cowboys scout and prospect son Dallas just drafted, UFC 288: Why Burns and Muhammad are taking the biggest fight of their careers on short notice, LIVE Transfer Talk: Man United, PSG to battle for Abraham. The following is the statement released by the Sabres: The Buffalo Sabres are saddened to announce the passing of Buffalo Sabres Hall of Famer and member of the famed French Connection, Rick Martin. He was 59. Was part of the famous French Connection. The news of Richard Martins death did not impact the hockey community like it would if it were one of the well-known legends of hockey like Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau or Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky. ". He was 59. Martins performance individually may oftentimes be overlooked due to the trios success as a unit.Statue of Buffalo Sabres greats Rick Martin, Gilbert Perreault, and Rene Robert outside of the KeyBank Center, Buffalo New York The bronze statue, the work of sculptor Jerry McKenna (Fortunate4now via Wikimedia Commons). I guess they had a good time," said Pegula, who first began following the team during the French Connection days. The Hockey News. Martin is survived by his wife Mikey and their two sons, Corey and Josh. On the contrary, there are numerous reasons for his induction that we shall discuss, and possibly right a wrong by garnering enough attention. The Buffalo Sabres and Sabres.com are trademarks of The Hockey Western New York, LLC. And just to see the smiles on all three of their faces was even better.". Because of his immense production, Martin was named a First Team All-Star in 1974 and 1975. Man, we should have the biggest part in the world for Richard. The Junior Canadians had a stockpile of young, French Canadian talent and, playing in the Montreal Forum, they actually outdrew the NHL's Montreal Canadians. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report. [6] His number 7 was retired along with Rene Robert's #14 on November 15, 1995, flanking the #11 of Gilbert Perreault under a French Connection banner. [11], Rick and his wife were owners of Globalquest Solutions and Globalquest Staffing Solutions in Williamsville, New York.[12]. Guy Lafleur , Marcel Dionne, Jocelyn Guevremont, and Gene Carr were the only players chosen ahead of him. He played in seven All-Star games. He had three sons with his wife Mikey: Cory, Josh, and Erick. Former Sabres forward Martin has died. Enter Search Term. Just crazy! They were taking part in a welcoming ceremony, greeting Pennsylvania billionaire Terry Pegula, a day after he purchased the franchise. The state police said Martin might have had a heart attack shortly before he veered off the road and crashed into a utility pole. Martin's most productive campaign was in 1974-75, when he had a career-high 95 points (52 goals, 43 assists) in 68 games. A Buffalo Sabres fan walks to the arena for an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators in front of a poster of former Sabres player Rick Martin, top center, in Buffalo, N.Y., Sunday, March 13, 2011. by Robitaille played three years with Martin in Buffalo, and didn't realize how good of an offensive player Martin was until Robitaille played against him. Martin's "French Connection" linemates, Hockey Hall of Famer Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert, said they were saddened by the news. From LaSalle, Quebec, Richard (Rick) Lionel Martin played left wing on a line centered by Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert. They were taking part in a welcoming ceremony, greeting Pennsylvania billionaire Terry Pegula, a day after he purchased the franchise. Martin played four games for the Los Angeles Kings before hanging up the skates. "To see them skate out was incredible. In 685 games, Martin scored 384 goals and 701 points. He added 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points in 63 career playoff games. "They brought a lot of pride to Buffalo, New York. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. I mean, he was 59. Our huge stock of Rick Martin Jerseys includes replica, premier . Sabres owner Terry Pegula grew up in Pennsylvania but became a Buffalo fan because of the "French Connection Line." The team announced Martins death in a statement on Sunday before its home game against the Senators. Rene Robert played right wing alongside left wing Rick Martin and Hockey Hall of Fame center Gilbert Perreault on the Sabres' "French Connection Line," which was one of the most productive lines . "It's tough when you lose anybody, and we lost a real good person today. star, had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated brain trauma, when he died last March of a heart attack at age 59.. God bless you, Rick. That's young, and he always seemed to be in such good shape.". BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Rick Martin, a member of the Buffalo Sabres' famed French Connection line in the 1970s, died after being involved in a one-car accident on Sunday. A passerby of the crash performed CPR on Martin until emergency crews arrived on the scene. United in 1972, all three were from Quebec, and they were soon being called the French Connection, after the 1971 film about a drug-smuggling ring starring Gene Hackman. The finalists for the "The Rico," which is presented annually to the player fans believe best embodies what it. Martin became the premier left winger throughout much of the 1970s. He tied with Perreault in playoff scoring during the Sabres Cup run, each with 15 points in 17 games and he was the Sabres leading scorer in the Final. David Duprey, Associated Press. Martin finished with 384 goals and 317 assists for 701 points in 685 career NHL games. In 1989 he, along with the other two members of the French Connection, were inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame. If not injured, Martin by all estimates would have scored at least 500 goals in his career. In 524 games with Buffalo, Robert had 222 goals and 552 points. Rick Martin Hockey Player Birthday July 26, 1951 Birth Sign Leo Birthplace Canada DEATH DATE Mar 13, 2001 (age 49) #98397 Most Popular Boost About Former NHL winger best known for his time with the Buffalo Sabres. Community Resources for Those Impacted by Mass Shooting, Comprehensive Coverage of the Crisis in Ukraine. "He certainly made a lot of us laugh, didn't he?" Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. He was 59. (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images) "He certainly made a lot of us laugh, didn't he?" That claim could not be made of every star NHL performer from a different time. From LaSalle, Quebec, Richard (Rick) Lionel Martin played left wing on a line centered by Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert. Steven Nigrelli said. And it was nice to see them back together.". Martin, who eventually settled his family in western New York, spent 10-plus seasons with Buffalo before his career was cut short by a severe knee injury during a game against Washington in November 1980. You touched the hearts of hockey fans everywhere and we will not forget you. [New Sabres owner Terry] Pegula just put us together," Robert said, according to the report. He was highly competitive and, although it was hardly ever mentioned, he was nearly unstoppable from the blue line in. Martin was a famous member of the French Connection in the 1970's with hockey stars Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert. The accident happened not too far from Martin's home in nearby Akron. The trio is still revered in Buffalo, and at HSBC Arena, where their three banners hang together in a row from the facility's ceiling. Overall, he finished with 284 goals and 702 points in 744 NHL games. One he should have received long ago. Here are his stories on the other Sabres legends By John Vogl Mar 31, 2022 32 Rick Jeanneret has a style all his own and the. While there is no Stanley Cup championship to his name, Martin should be in the Hall of Fame from his play alone. Sadly, if and when Rick Martin is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, it will be done posthumously. Professional Hockey Player. Former Sabres forward Martin has died. He played only four games over parts of two seasons with Los Angeles before retiring because of a knee injury. He was 59. March 15, 2011 BUFFALO Rick Martin, a member of the Buffalo Sabres' celebrated French Connection, one of the most prolific scoring lines in the National Hockey League in the 1970s, died. He also played in seven straight All-Star Games from 1972 to 1978. He was 59. former defenseman Mike Robitaille. For eleven seasons (1971 to 1982), he played at the left-wing position in the National Hockey League with the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings. Former Sabres star forward Richard Martin has died. On November 8, 1980, Martin's career was dealt a devastating blow. He also said his biggest thrill was meeting the Golden Jet at an All-Star game and being invited to sit with him and talk about the do's and dont's of the NHL. Martin has more career goals than any Sabres left wing and ranks overall second in team history. Laughter mixed with a few tears as 3,000 family members, friends, former teammates and fans of Richard Martin gathered at HSBC Arena on Thursday to celebrate the life of No. With 74 points in 73 games, he tied with eventual French Connection linemate Gilbert Perreault for most points on the team though Martin achieved it in three less games. Sabres.com is the official Web site of The Buffalo Sabres. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley talked with Pete Weber, the play-by-play voice of the Nashville Predators. former defenseman Mike Robitaille. For his dedication and excellence Rick was recognized by the team with induction into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame on November 8, 2011, and on a "May day" in 2012, Rick was presented with an honorary doctorate by Canisius College. His wisecracks and practical jokeslike cutting the hockey sticks of fellow players so they would break at just the right (or wrong) timecaused some heated locker room diatribes from head coaches. He scored 52 goals in back-to-back seasons, 1974 and 1975. [2][3] Martin is also #11 all-time in career goals per game average (.56) in NHL regular-season history. Once Martin sustained the knee injury, his production was still there (more on that shortly) but he couldnt play regularly. While Martins rookie season was in 1971-72, Barber and Shutt first played in 1972-73. All Rights Reserved. Enter Search Term. "Maybe that was just what it should've been," Simonick said. Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff, right, speaks during a news conference with Sabres owner Terry Pegula, left, before an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators in Buffalo, N.Y., Sunday, March 13, 2011. Martin also holds the Sabres record with 21 three-goal games. He has not shared about He's parent's name. #7 Rick Martin.32 days#Sabres pic.twitter.com/PcUIp6XoXD, General Eichel (@GeneralEichel) September 3, 2017. The Sabres made Rick Martin the fifth overall selection in the 1971 draft. Martin had the advantage and equal disadvantage of playing for the expansion Buffalo Sabres rather than being drafted by an established team like the Montreal Canadiansthe team he grew up watching. The long-time Buffalo Sabres play-by-play announcer will broadcast his final game Friday night when the Sabres. A neck injury to Rick Martin, Buffalo's prolific left wing, hushed the crowd of 16,433 spectators at the 9minute-47-second mark of the final period. His wrist shot was so accurate, he would regularly challenge players to a game of "hit the post," and he could do it eight out of 10 times, consistently. He ranks second with 47 game-winning goals, while his 695 points rank third. The injury all but ended Martins career, and led to a lawsuit in which then Sabres coach Scotty Bowman and the teams physician were both named. 1 of 4. The trio then joined Pegula on the ice before his first game as owner in what marked one of the last times the linemates were together. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. NHL 2023. Following the 6-4 victory, Sabres players gathered at center and raised their sticks, pointing to Martin's banner. Score a new Rick Martin Jersey at Sabres Shop, your #1 source for Rick Martin Jerseys! (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images). Bowman traded him to the Los Angeles Kings on March 10, 1981, in exchange for draft picks. Martin owned a bar/restaurant called Slapshot on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Rick Martin died on March 13, 2011, in Clarence, New York, from a heart attack while driving, a complication of hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Scoring was everything to him, Robitaille said. Robert's most memorable goal, scored 18 minutes, 29 seconds into overtime, sealed Buffalo's 5-4 win over Philadelphia in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final in 1975. Steven Nigrelli said. Rick Martin, the first 50-goal scorer for the Buffalo Sabres and a member of their famed French Connection line, died Sunday. Robert played right wing alongside left wing Rick Martin and Hockey Hall of Fame center Gilbert Perreault on a line that earned its nickname because all three players were from Quebec. There is no doubt that if Buffalo Sabres fabled sniper Rick Martin had not sustained a career-ending injury he would have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame long ago. "It's sad news," Perreault told The Buffalo News. Martin closed his career with Los Angeles in the 1981-82 season. Martin left the game with such a high number intact because he still managed to produce after his injury. You'll be missed 'Rico,' but you will be remembered." . "We had a lot of plans in the future for these guys, I guess we'll just have an empty chair around, but it'll be there," he said. The team announced Martin's death in a statement on Sunday before its home game against the Senators. BUFFALO, N.Y. Two weeks after being reunited on the ice in Buffalo, the Sabres' famed French Connection lost a member when Rick Martin died Sunday. While Shutt had a 60-goal season, it was the only time that he would score above 50 in a year. To be fair, we will look at their production through 1980-81 in order to give the same time frame for comparison. Then, a Second Team All-Star in 1976 and 1977. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Rick Martin was a superb host and a guy who decided to put down roots near Buffalo, where he and his wife worked together on Globalquest, a computer business that they ran together. Even though women who rap may not be on the radio as much as their male counterparts, plenty of talented women are making hip hop music, and right here in Buffalo. Martin and his future line-mate, Perreault, were young stars and extremely popular in Quebec. The Sabres confirmed Robert's death in a statement released by the team. In six games against Bernie Parent and the Flyers, he had two goals and four assists. Dont believe it? It is astounding that Martins 0.561 goals scored per game is the eleventh highest in NHL history. No left winger was more dominant. Martin's death came as a shock to the Sabres, who were preparing for an afternoon game against the Ottawa Senators. In 1995, the Sabres retired his No. He was a five-time 40-goal-scorer, and twice surpassed the 50-goal plateau, when he had 52 in each of the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons. "It was great sadness and a heavy heart that we lost a member of the Sabre family today," longtime team broadcaster Rick Jeanneret said, as pictures of Martin were shown. I guess they had a good time," said Pegula, who first began following the team during the French Connection days. Shutt scored exactly the same number of goals as Barber in that span326. "It's like a bad dream," Robert, who also found out Sunday that one of his brothers had died in Montreal, told The Buffalo News. All Rights Reserved. The 59-year-old was pronounced dead at a suburban Buffalo hospital at around 1 p.m., about a half hour after the car he was driving crossed the center line on the road, rolled along the shoulder and struck a utility pole before coming to rest against a tree, New York State Police Capt. Perreault, who centered the famed line with Martin on the left wing and Robert on the right, was watching hockey at home when he heard Martin had died, according to the report. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Capitals forward Ryan Walter managed to trip Martin and no penalty was called. He played in 7 consecutive NHL All Star Games from 1972 to 1978. "This thing about scoring goals would just overcome him. Obviously, Martin forged a greater career than at least two of those players. [4] After that play, helmets became a much more common sight on the heads of his Sabre teammates. Martin did not win a Stanley Cup. Before Fame He was drafted 5th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1971. Martin's death comes a little over two weeks after the trio took the ice together for what turned out to be the last time, prior to the Sabres' home game against Atlanta. Steven Nigrelli said Martin was pronounced dead at a suburban Buffalo hospital at 1 p.m., about a half-hour after the car he was driving crossed the . His best season was the 197475 NHL season when he scored 52 goals and 95 points in only 68 games. In retrospect, the argument could have been made that the 1971-72 Calder should have been Martins. The Canadian Press. All rights reserved. He nearly had three straight seasons of 50 goals: 52 in 1973-74 and 1974-75 and 49 goals in 1975-76. He played hard for the team, and it's a little emotional for me," Simonick said. They were eventually dubbed The French Connection. Martin broke that record when he notched 44 tallies. The team announced Martins death in a statement on Sunday before its home game against the Senators. After 51 years behind the microphone, Rick Jeanneret is calling it a career. The Buffalo Sabres, Robert Shaver, File) ** NO SALES **, Associated Press. He ranks second with 47 game-winning goals, while his 695 points rank third. Martin is survived by his wife Mikey . They brought a lot of pride to this hockey team. He was 59. Rick Martin, who comprised one-third of the famed "French Connection" line for the Buffalo Sabres in the 1970s, died Sunday at age 59. However, it would be most meaningful now for his family to see an honor bestowed upon him just the same. Line, Dies at 59 After Car Accident", "Courier express. Right now, we don't have much information about Education Life. "We had a lot of plans in the future for these guys, I guess we'll just have an empty chair around, but it'll be there," he said.