Chippewa Valley Athletic Trainer Heather Hellem’s Husband and Hockey Coach, Melvin Passes Away At 52

Devastating news for the Hellem Family!

November 4, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on November 4, 2026

New Baltimore, Michigan — Melvin Roy Hellem Jr., 52, husband of athletic trainer Heather Hellem and devoted father of Henrik (12½) and Kaia (8), passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2026.

Born November 14, 1973, in Staten Island, New York, Mel was raised in a loving family by Melvin and Amelia Hellem of New Jersey.

A lifelong Eagle Scout, Mel embodied kindness, loyalty, and leadership from the depths of his heart and was a true family man.

He was an alumnus of Lebanon Valley College, where he specialized in Political Science, and made a lasting impact on friends, family, and community as much as he could.

Mel and Athletic Trainer Heather were married on October 10, 2009, and raised two children together.

Mel has a passion for sports. (Source: Facebook)

Professionally, Heather Hellem works as an athletic trainer at Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan and with Chippewa Valley Athletics.

On the other hand, Mel himself worked as a Hockey coach and office administrator for many years, including positions with Fox Rothschild in New Jersey and Partyka & Company, PC in Michigan.

Henrik and Kala had the best father in the world, who would attend his children’s games, whether it was Kaia’s T-ball team or Henrik’s hockey team.

His passion for the New York sports teams will remain forever, specifically for the Mets, Giants, and Rangers.

Heartbreak for Kids, Wife, and Whole Community

Friends, family, and the entire community will remember Mel for his kindness and humility, which led him to support anyone he could.

Heather shared the family’s Heartbreak as well as the overwhelming support she got after her husband’s unfortunate passing on Social Media.

Hug the people you love obsessively. Always say I love you. Take the pictures. Appreciate the moments and the days that aren’t perfect. Cause when they are gone… time is something you can never get back,” she wrote.

Heather has tons of love and support from friends and communities. (Source: Facebook)

In another post, she wrote, “To say I am overwhelmed and grateful would be an understatement. The visits, the phone calls, the texts, the comments (and I promise I have read ALL of them), the cards, the flowers, the food, the meal train, the donations… I can’t express my love and gratitude for all of it.”

Unsurprisingly, Heather’s family has received tributes, support, and lots of love during this difficult time. Sheri Tomas wrote, “Heather I’m so sorry and devastated to hear this. I obviously did not know. My heart hurts for all of you and my prayers are with you and your dear family. May God show you the path and give you the strength to walk the paths ahead.”

Jenna, a hockey student, added, “Coach Mel Jr Hellem will always hold the most special place in our family’s hockey memories. We love you. You will be dearly missed and never forgotten.”

A has been organized on behalf of Heather and her family, which will help to support the kids and cover the funeral costs of Mel. Thanks to fantastic support, it has already raised over $15,000.

Visitation for Mel will take place on Monday, November 10, 2026, with funeral services scheduled for the following day.

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Anish Koirala has loved sports since he was a kid. He grew up playing basketball and soccer, and that passion stayed with him over the years. Today, Anish works as a writer and editor, sharing his knowledge and love for the game through articles and stories. He uses his playing experience to make his writing clear, thoughtful, and fun to read.

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