New Documentary to Tell the Story of NHL Star Pelle Lindbergh Tragedy

A new documentary titled The Swede of Philadelphia (Charlie Minn Films) will commemorate the life and legacy of Pelle Lindbergh. The talented NHL goalie tragically died in a car accident in 1985, shortly after winning the Vezina Trophy and helping the Philadelphia Flyers reach the Stanley Cup final.

The film features emotional testimonies from survivors and interviews with Lindbergh's friends, teammates, and first responders, while providing a comprehensive look at the tragic event and its aftermath.

Rare interviews will feature Lindbergh's friends Ed Parvin Jr. and Kathy McNeal, who reveal emotional memories from being passengers in the vehicle with Lindbergh. McNeal shares the ongoing impact of the tragedy, while Parvin, who was asleep in the car, recalls waking up in a hospital after 10 days in a coma.

The documentary marks the 40th anniversary of Lindbergh's death, which occurred when he crashed his Porsche while intoxicated near the Flyers' practice facility in Somerdale, New Jersey. Lindbergh was driving at approximately 80 mph in a 35-mph zone, with blood alcohol levels more than twice the legal limit.

“The goal of the film is to humanize what happened, how it affected people, and what lessons were learned. What message can we walk away with that could help save a life in the future?” said filmmaker Charlie Minn to The (Allentown) Morning Call.

Interviewees in the film include former Flyers equipment manager Kevin Cady, former beat writer Al Morganti, former equipment manager Derek Settlemyre, lead investigator Charlie Pope, first police officer on the scene Frank Rizzo, and EMT BettyAnn Cowling Carson. They also include Mark Howe, Brian Propp, Rick Tocchet, Bernie Parent, Murray Craven, Bob Froese, Dave Brown, Bobby Taylor, and Glenn “Chico” Resch.

The documentary will premiere at three New Jersey theaters: AMC Voorhees 16 (Voorhees, New Jersey), AMC Cherry Hill 24 (Cherry Hill, New Jersey), and AMC Fashion District 8 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).