The family of late NHL star Claude Lemieux has announced their decision to donate his brain for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 30, the family expressed their deep affection for Claude, describing him as a cherished son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and teammate. They highlighted his remarkable career achievements, including being a four-time Stanley Cup champion, a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and one of the most memorable playoff performers in hockey history. “To his family, he was more than a hero: he was loyal, loving, funny, protective, and generous. He was stubborn, and he was completely devoted to the people he loved. He was adored by his family in turn,” the family stated.
The statement continued, emphasizing Claude’s passion for life, both on and off the ice. “Claude was a passionate man. He brought that passion to the rink, to his work, to his friendships, and most of all to his family. He was fierce on the ice because he cared so deeply about winning, about his teammates, and about never giving less than everything he had. Away from the game, he was tender, loyal, and full of life. He made us laugh, he showed up for us, and he loved his children and grandchildren with his whole heart.”
The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us Weekly that Claude Lemieux died by suicide at age 60. His body was discovered by one of his sons in a Florida warehouse on Thursday, May 28.
The news of his death shocked the sports community, especially since Lemieux had been a torchbearer at the NHL’s Eastern Conference Finals between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes in Montreal on Monday, May 25.
In their statement, the Lemieux family announced that Claude’s brain would be donated to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center to study the “long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, CTE is linked to repeated head injuries and can cause “the death of nerve cells in the brain.” Though rare and not well understood, it is often associated with athletes or combat veterans.
Claude Lemieux in April 2002. Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images/NHLI
On Saturday, the family remarked on Claude’s commitment to the next generation, saying, “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations, and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”
The Lemieux family considers the donation to the Boston University CTE Center as “a gift to science, to athletes, and to future generations of families seeking answers.” They also addressed speculation regarding the circumstances of Claude’s death, urging the media and public to approach the subject with care and compassion. “Suicide is complex, and the family asks media and the public to discuss this loss with care, compassion and respect for those who lost him,” they requested.
Details about a memorial service will be shared “at a later date.”
The NHL world was rocked by the sudden death of hockey legend Claude Lemieux by apparent suicide at age 60. “The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game Players in hockey history,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement on Thursday, […]
The statement on Saturday was first shared by Brendan Lemieux, the first family member to publicly address Claude’s passing. Claude and his wife, Deborah, had four children: sons Christopher, Michael, and Brendan, and their daughter Claudia.
On Thursday, Brendan, 30, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, “I love you dad! My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you ♥️.”
His sister, Claudia, also expressed her sorrow on Instagram, writing, “No words to express the level of devastation we feel. I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl 💔”
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