Juraj Valach reveals past personal tragedies and family struggles

Slovak hockey player Juraj Valach has shared previously undisclosed details regarding personal tragedies that have shaped his life. Beyond the well-known loss of his wife, Simona, in 2016, Valach revealed that a former girlfriend near Banská Bystrica committed suicide two months after their breakup.

In 2016, Valach’s wife passed away following a severe brain injury sustained during her 25th week of pregnancy. While their twins, Jerguš and Amálka, survived, their son Jerguš was born with cerebral palsy. Valach has described the immense financial and psychological strain of providing specialized care for his son, noting that the family relies heavily on public donations and solidarity to fund necessary medical needs.

Valach also reflected on a difficult period during his career in the Czech Republic, citing a series of physical injuries and illnesses. Looking toward the future, the athlete expressed concerns regarding his financial stability after retiring from professional hockey, criticizing the lack of state support for former athletes in Slovakia.