Yeah, what the heck??!! Probie dead at 45? Doesn't make sense. Bob Probert was the heavyweight champ of hockey fighters in his prime, at a time when fighting was part of the NHL scene, not censored like today. He was also a good hockey player which made him more then just a goon. At his peak he was a big a draw as Gretsky, especially when the Wings were matched with another team with a well known fighter, like Troy Crowder and Tie Domi.
The elimination of fighting in the NHL has turned the league into a Swedish/Russian haven, the big strong kids from Sudbury and Saskatoon aren't needed in a league of referee protected figure skaters.
Bob Probert had his problems with coke and booze. It is said that he completely licked them. Perhaps years of abuse diminished his heart strength. You have to wonder how an ex-hockey player at 45 could have a heart attack. Anyone that has played the game at any level knows the tremendous stamina that even amatuer players build up playing the games grueling pace.
At any rate it's sad to see him go so young. RIP Bob Probert.