Ice hockey coach’s life ‘turned upside down’ by pregnant wife’s death

FIFE Flyers ice hockey coach Todd Dutiaume has described how his world had been “turned upside down” by the death of his pregnant wife.

Kelly Dutiaume, 38, had been expecting to give birth to twins soon when she was thought to have suffered a heart attack at her home in Kirkcaldy on Monday night.

She was taken to hospital but doctors could not save her or her unborn children.

Mr Dutiaume, originally from Winnipeg, has been with the Flyers for 15 years. The couple, who have a three-year-old daughter, Olivia, were married in 2005.

In statement issued yesterday evening, Mr Dutiaume said: “At a time which is supposed to be the most joyous of our lives this tragedy has turned our world upside down.

“Kelly was a fantastic mother, wife, daughter and one of the gentlest and kindest individuals you could ever hope to have in your life.

“Myself, Olivia and all the family would like to thank everyone for their support, kind thoughts and wishes at this very difficult time.”

Throughout yesterday, fans and friends left flowers, cards and soft toys in tribute at the hockey side’s home at Fife Ice Arena, Kirkcaldy,

Fans are expected to gather there on Friday night to pay their respects, while the club announced online that a book of condolence would be set up at the rink.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Elite Ice Hockey League said that there were plans by its members to each mark Mrs Dutiaume’s death.

He said: “All clubs have tributes planned for the weekend, whether it be a minute’s silence or minute’s applause.”

Throughout yesterday expressions of shock, condolences and tributes poured into the Fife Flyers’ Facebook and Twitter page.