Legendary NHL defenseman Zdeno Chara was involved in a bicycle accident while training in his native Slovakia last week, per Slovak outlet Športnet.
The Hockey Hall of Famer and longtime Boston Bruins captain collided with a runner on a cycling path near the village of Beluša on July 29 while out on one of his endurance rides. Since retiring, Chara has taken up endurance sports, including Ironman events, completing his first 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and full marathon in August of 2024.
Slovakian police say a 56-year-old pedestrian entered the path of Chara, causing the two to collide and sending the runner to the ground. Emergency medical services responded to the scene after being called at Chara’s request, and the runner was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. The two involved parties reached an agreement at the scene, and police were not asked to conduct any further investigation.
“Last week, I collided with a runner on the cycle path near Beluša,” Chara told Športový Čas, as translated via Google Translate. “It was a situation that I could no longer avoid or prevent. Emergency medical services and the police were immediately called to the scene. I provided first aid and subsequently cooperated with all authorities.”
The 49-year-old veteran of 1,680 NHL games with the Bruins, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, and Washington Capitals added that authorities determined he was not responsible for the accident.
“They all agreed and acknowledged that it wasn’t my fault, but it was the fault of the runner who shouldn’t have been on the cycle path, was running with headphones on and suddenly changed direction, which I couldn’t react to,” Chara said. “I am in contact with the runner’s family. The priority is for the man to get back to normal life and in full health.”
The accident comes as Chara has been back home in Slovakia, preparing for his career farewell game, scheduled for August 21 in Trenčín. The event is expected to feature several former NHL stars.
