Confirmed! Missing Saginaw Spirit Hockey Player Found Dead [VIDEO]

Police are confirming that missing hockey player Terry Trafford has been found dead.

Autopsy results have been released in the death of Saginaw Spirit player Terry Trafford. He was killed by asphyxiation and it was determined to be self-inflicted.

Police found him inside his truck in the parking lot of the Walmart in Saginaw Township. Micjhigan State Police spotted Taffords pickup truck while on routine patrol in Saginaw Township. Tafford was found dead inside the truck.

Trafford was recently suspended from the team - he left the Bay County house where he was living and he was believed to be heading for his home in Toronto.He never arrived at his parents Toronto home.

Trafford, 20, is a Toronto native and has been with the Spirit for several seasons.According to Trafford's girlfriend, Skye Cieszlak, the young player was devastated after he was told the team didn't want him back.

Cieszlak also mentioned that Trafford was in trouble with the team before he was let go but didn't want to give specifics as to why.The Associated Press says that Trafford had been disciplined by his team shortly before he went missing.

Saginaw Spirit Managing Partner Craig Goslin issued the following press release March 11:

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce that late Tuesday afternoon we were informed by the Michigan State Police that the body of Terry Trafford has been found.

Our deepest condolences are with Terry's family and his friends both in Ontario and Michigan.  Terry played on our team and was a member of the Spirit family for the last four years and he will be missed. 

We have reached out to Terry's parents and will look to provide them with support over the coming days.  In addition, we met with team players and staff this evening, along with our Team Chaplain.

On behalf of the Spirit we would like to thank the police who were looking for Terry, the media for providing updates and all who provided information.  The coming days will be difficult and we will endeavor to keep the community and media apprised of arrangements and other details.
WNEM TV 5

WNEM TV 5