Stephen Peat, a former NHL forward who played four seasons for the Washington Capitals, has tragically died as a result of an accident he sustained two weeks ago.

Peat was 44 years old.

“The NHL Alumni Association is deeply saddened to learn that Stephen Peat passed away from his injuries following a tragic accident just over two weeks ago,” the NHL Alumni said in a statement on Thursday. “He was only 44 years old.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Stephen Peat, #51 of the Washington Capitals, skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on March 29, 2003. (Graig Abel/Getty Images)

“Following this tragic accident, Stephen will help save many lives through organ donation. We extend our deepest condolences to Stephen’s family, friends and former teammates during this difficult time.”

The nature of the accident involving Peat was not disclosed.

Peat, a second-round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 1998, was known as an enforcer in the 130 games of his NHL career.

The widow of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau announces she is pregnant with her third child

The Canadian began his professional career in the WHL, where he played for the Red Deer Rebels, Tri-City Americans and Calgary Hitmen for five seasons, scoring a total of 11 goals and 36 assists in 203 games.

Stephen Peat #51 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 25, 2003. (Graig Abel/Getty Images)

He eventually moved from the Ducks to the Capitals, where he made his NHL debut in the 2001/02 season. Before getting the call, he played for the Portland Pirates in the AHL.

During his time with the Capitals, Peat bounced back and forth between the NHL and AHL, but when he was with the big club, he scored eight goals and two assists, as well as racking up 234 penalty minutes as he made sure to make his presence felt on the ice.

Peat finally ended his career in the 2006–07 season, playing only one game for the New Jersey Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats.

Stephen Peat, #54 of the Washington Capitals, looks on during an NHL hockey game against the Atlanta Thrashers at the MCI Center on November 11, 2001 in Washington, DC. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Peat’s death came shortly after another tragedy in the NHL, when Columbus Blue Jackets starter Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew Gaudreau were killed Salem County, New Jerseywhen they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while cycling. They died on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.