Blues hockey legend Plager killed in crash in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Blues hockey legend Bobby Plager was killed Wednesday in a crash on Highway 40 (Interstate 64) in St. Louis, according to the team.

Plager, 78, was killed in a two-vehicle wreck about 1:30 p.m. on the highway, shocking longtime fans and admirers of the man who played 11 years and 615 games with the team, and became a face of the Blues franchise through decades of continued work with the organization.

Several police units responded to the scene of the crash under the Tower Grove Avenue overpass along the Central West End neighborhood Wednesday. Police did not say what caused the crash, but there was a Cadillac SUV and a Dodge minivan with significant damage on scene. Plager was alone in the SUV. There were two women in the minivan, including one who sustained minor injuries, St. Louis police said.

Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong confirmed the death in a video statement Wednesday.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bobby Jr., Melissa and the entire Plager family,” Armstrong said. “As Bobby would fondly say, ‘He’s No. 5 in your program, but No. 1 in your hearts.’ That holds true today and forever as Bobby is, truly, the St. Louis Blues.”

The St. Louis Blues said in a statement that Plager was a true original: “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.”