Autopsy: Ex-Red Wings center Greg Johnson died of self-inflicted gunshot wound

The Detroit News
Greg Johnson, playing for Nashville, battles Steve Yzerman in front of the net during a game in 2004.

Former Detroit Red Wings center Greg Johnson died of suicide by a gunshot wound to the head, according to an autopsy report obtained by The Detroit News.

Johnson’s body was void of any evidence of drugs or alcohol, according to a toxicology report, also obtained by The News.

Both reports were compiled by the office of the Oakland County Medical Examiner.

Johnson died July 7 at his home in Rochester. He was 48.

There was no suicide note at Johnson’s home, according to a Rochester Police report.

Johnson, a native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, played for the Red Wings from 1993-97 during a 14-season NHL career. He also played for Pittsburgh, Chicago and Nashville.

Johnson’s wife, Kristin, told police that Johnson suffered "numerous concussions during his playing career,” but she witnessed no signs of depression.

In recent years, several former football and hockey players have been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which can result from numerous blows to the head, causing brain trauma.