Former Worcester Sharks player Tom Cavanagh has died at the age of 28 on January 7, 2011. His body was found in the Providence Place Mall parking garage yesterday at around 11:30 a.m. by the authorities. The cause of his death is still unknown. However, there are several reports suggesting that Tom died of traumatic injuries which mainly caused by severe accident, falls and violence. Authorities say an autopsy is scheduled and its result will tell us the exact cause of his death. Cavanagh had been struggling with his mental health-issues and his father, Joseph Cavanagh, said in a statement that his son fought hard with mental illness for several years and this thing really harmed his professional career as well. Joseph said it is a tough time for the whole family, friends and relatives and we will always remember Tom in our memory.

Tom was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2001 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He appeared in 18 NHL games from 2007-2009 and managed to score one goal and 3 points. He was in great form when he played for Worcester Sharks in the American Hockey League and he ended the 2007-08 season with 19 goals and 36 assists. He finished his stay at Worcester with 46 goals and 92 assists. San Jose general manager Doug Wilson said we all are shocked by the death of Tom and our support and prayers are with his family for the loss of their son. Wilson added he was a real hard worker and a team-man who always tried to improve his weaknesses on-and-off the field. Tom also played for Manchester Monarchs in 2009-10 where he registered three goals and 5 assists. He was last seen in action for Springfield Falcons but he was not able to score any goal for the team.