Len Boogaard releases statement after arrests made in connection to son Derek's death

Len Boogaard, father of the late Derek Boogaard, issued a statement in light of Tuesday's arrest of Jordan Hart and Oscar Johnson in connection with his son's death.

Via Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune:

"We miss Derek every minute of every day.  Every effort to hold accountable those that contributed to my son’s addiction and death is commendable. My family and I appreciate the tireless and persistent work of the New York Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration.  It is our hope that their hard work will save other families from the heartbreak we endure."

William T. Gibbs, a lawyer representing the Estate of Derek Boogaard, added the following:

"The indicted defendants carelessly and maliciously preyed upon Derek Boogaard’s addiction with total disregard for his well-being....

"Addiction to prescription drugs is an unfortunate epidemic. Today, alone, nearly 100 more people will die from a prescription drug overdose. This can, and must, be stopped - arresting drug dealers, eliminating immoral health care providers, enacting and enforcing patient review and prescription drug monitoring programs, ensuring better access to effective drug abuse treatment and increasing public awareness of the severity of this problem are all important and necessary steps towards ending this plague."

According to the New York Times, a $4,000 check written by Derek Boogaard to Jordan Hart for the purchase of painkillers was found by Len Boogaard two weeks after his son's death, a discovery that led to the investigation that resulted in Tuesday's arrests.