Frederik Andersen, the goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes, expressed deep emotions regarding his late agent and friend, Claude Lemieux, who tragically passed away by suicide on Thursday, May 28.Â
“Claude made an unimaginable impact on me during the more than 15 years that he was a part of my life,” Andersen, 36, stated in a message shared by the Hurricanes on Sunday, May 31. “I almost feel sorry for people who didn’t have an opportunity to get to know him beyond his achievements and impact on the ice. As phenomenal as his hockey career was, he was an even better human being.”
After a 21-year NHL career that concluded in 2009, Lemieux found success as a sports agent, representing top hockey players, including Andersen.Â
“From day one, he made me feel like I was part of his family — treating me with care, compassion, loyalty, and love as if I was his own son,” Andersen shared. “He had a similar effect on members of my own family, leaving a lasting impression on every life that he touched.”
The Palm Beach Medical Examiner confirmed to Us Weekly that Lemieux died by suicide at 60.
“I cannot imagine the pain Claude was in, and I pray that he is in a better place now,” Andersen continued. “My thoughts are with Deborah, Brendan, Claudia, and the entire Lemieux family as we grieve together. Claude’s spirit will forever remain in my heart, always.”
Andersen and the Hurricanes are set to play Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, June 2.Â
Claude’s legacy continues through his wife, Deborah, his sons Brendan, Christopher and Michael, and his daughter, Claudia.Â
A statement from the Lemieux family on Saturday, May 30, announced that Claude’s brain will be donated to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center for research into “the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury.”
“The family emphasizes that this decision is a gift to science, to athletes, and to future generations of families seeking answers,” the family noted. “No conclusions should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis.”
The statement added, “Claude dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation. 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 is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from fans, former teammates, opponents, organizations, and friends across the hockey community.”
