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Rick Martin died of a heart disease

Rick Martin, French Connection hockey card
Rick Martin, French Connection hockey card

By Eileen Buckley

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-957463.mp3

Clarence, NY – The State Police in Clarence are now confirming that hockey legend Rick Martin died of a heart attack Sunday related to heart disease.

Martin's vehicle struck a utility pole on Main Street near Salt Road in Clarence. He was pronounced dead at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

The New York State Police issued the following statement on an autopsy conducted Monday:

Press release - RICHARD L MARTIN (UPDATE)

On March 14, 2011, an autopsy was performed on Richard L. Martin at the Erie County Medical Center.

Dr Diane Vertes ruled the cause of Mr. Martin's death to be from Hypertensive Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (HAS CVD).

Mr. Martin was a 59 year old Akron, New York resident and a former member of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.

You can click the above audio to hear State Police Steven Nigrelli talk about the cause of death and how witnesses saw Martin slumped over just as before the crash occurred.