The family of late NHL legend Claude Lemieux has announced that his brain will be donated for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 30, Lemieux’s loved ones remembered him not only as one of hockey’s fiercest competitors, but also as a devoted family man.
“Claude was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and teammate,” the statement read. “To the hockey world, he was one of the game’s most unforgettable competitors: a four-time Stanley Cup champion, a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and one of the great playoff performers of all time.”
“To his family, he was more than a hero: he was loyal, loving, funny, protective, and generous,” the statement continued. “He was stubborn, and he was completely devoted to the people he loved. He was adored by his family in turn.”
The family described Lemieux as someone who approached every aspect of life with passion — whether it was hockey, work, friendships or his family.
“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,” they shared. “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,” the statement added. “He made us laugh, he showed up for us, and he loved his children and grandchildren with his whole heart.”
Lemieux’s death was confirmed by the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday, May 28. The former NHL star died by suicide at age 60 after being found at a Florida warehouse by one of his sons.
His passing shocked the hockey community, especially after he appeared publicly just days earlier as a torchbearer during the NHL Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes in Montreal on Monday, May 25.
As part of Saturday’s announcement, the Lemieux family confirmed that his brain will be donated to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center. Researchers there study the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injuries.
According to the Mayo Clinic, CTE is a progressive brain disease associated with repeated head trauma that can lead to the degeneration and death of nerve cells in the brain. The condition remains rare and not fully understood, though it has frequently been linked to athletes and military veterans.
“Claude dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation,” the family stated. “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 family also emphasized that they view the donation as “a gift to science, to athletes and to future generations of families seeking answers.”
In their statement, they urged the public to approach discussions surrounding Lemieux’s death with sensitivity.
“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 said.
The family added that memorial service details will be announced at a later date.
The statement was first shared publicly by Claude’s son, Brendan Lemieux, who was among the first family members to speak out following his father’s death. Claude and his wife Deborah shared four children — sons Christopher, Michael and Brendan, as well as daughter Claudia.
“I love you dad!” Brendan, 30, wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you ♥️.”
Claudia also posted an emotional tribute to her father, writing, “No words to express the level of devastation we feel. I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl 💔.”
Source: Us Weekly
