The family of Claude Lemieux has announced that his brain will be donated to the Boston University CTE Center to study the long-term impacts of repetitive brain injuries. This decision was shared in a statement released on Saturday by his daughter, Claudia Lemieux Bishop.
Lemieux died by suicide at the age of 60 on Thursday, as reported by authorities. Earlier in the week, he had participated as the Montreal Canadiens’ torchbearer before a playoff game. Throughout his career, Lemieux played nearly 1,500 NHL games across six teams from 1983 to 2009, earning recognition for his aggressive play and clutch performances, which contributed to his four Stanley Cup victories.
The family has permitted the CTE Center to publicly disclose any findings involving Lemieux’s name, emphasizing that no assumptions should be made about any specific diagnosis.
“Claude dedicated his post-playing career to helping the next generation,” the family remarked, referring to his role as an agent. “By associating his name with this research, we hope his life can lead to greater understanding, more open discussions, and improved safety for athletes and families in the future.”
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, local mental health and crisis resources can be found at dontcallthepolice.com. For resources outside the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
